Support Financial Assistance to Farmers Who Wish to Transition Their Farms From Conventional to Certified Organic

Support Financial Assistance to Farmers Who Wish to Transition Their Farms From Conventional to Certified Organic

WHEREAS, a number of farmers in California want to transition their farms from conventional farming to certified organic farming, but have not done so because of the initial costs associated with making the transition; and

WHEREAS, if financial assistance, to help cover some of these initial costs, was available to California farmers, a number of California farmers would then choose to transition their farms to certified organic; and

WHEREAS, enacting state legislation to provide financial assistance to California farmers who wish to transition their farms to certified organic would assist California farmers, during a particularly challenging time for California farmers, and promote a desirable result.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Los Angeles County Democratic Party urges the California State Assembly and Senate to enact legislation to create a farmers transition assistance fund, comprised of voluntary contributions from individuals, industry, and other sources, that would provide financial assistance to California farmers wishing to transition their farms from conventional to certified organic, and thereby, facilitate more California farmers making this transition; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Los Angeles County Democratic Party transmit copies of this resolution to the Speaker of the Assembly, the Senate President pro Tem, and Democratic Assemblymembers and Senators, and Governor Schwarzenegger.

Passed LACDP Resolutions Committee 4/7/09

Passed LACDP 04/14/09