Facing a budget deficit, Gov. Gavin Newsom is not proposing any new funding for a grant program for replacing older ag equipment with lower-emission models.
A coalition of trade groups was knocking on doors at the Capitol last week requesting lawmakers on budget committees restore that funding. The coalition is seeking $160 million for the program known as FARMER.
According to Roger Isom, president of the Western Agricultural Processors Association, “every office we visited understood the importance of the FARMER program.” Many reminded him of the state's financial situation but some shared support, offering hope that “some amount of funding will be reinstated.”
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Under a local air quality plan, the San Joaquin Valley must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 11 tons per day by next year. Otherwise, the Air Resources Board will require farmers to replace every Tier 1, 2 and 3 tractor and harvester by 2030, according to WAPA.
Isom argued that would be devastating for an industry already struggling with high costs and water scarcity.
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