The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Board of Directors have established their  Top 10 priority issues for 2016, based on a leader survey conducted in December. 

Topping the CFFA’s priority list this year, in order, include water supply availability, retroactive labor regulation costs and related impacts, plus food safety practices and implementation in third place.

CFFA President Barry Bedwell says, “CFFA will continue to serve as a liaison between regulatory and legislative authorities by acting as the unified voice for our members.”

Below is the complete Top 10 priority list, noting also how the issues ranked in previous board surveys.

1 - Water supply availability-drought impacts (#1 in 2015)

2 - Retroactive labor regulation costs and related impacts (#6 in 2015)

3 - Food safety practices and implementation (#2 in 2015)

4 - Immigration reform (#3 in 2015)

5 - Groundwater management requirements (#7 in 2015)

6 - Labor regulations (#5 in 2015)

7 - Water quality regulations (#8 in 2015)

8 - Health care mandates/Affordable Care Act (#4 in 2015)

9 - Invasive pest issues (#9 in 2015)

10 - Workers’ compensation costs (#10 in 2015)

The CFFA advocates for its members which includes growers, shippers, marketers, and associate members. The organization was created in 1936 to mainly negotiate railroad rates for shippers, and has since evolved into filling the industry's need for public policy representation.

In 2014, the organization’s name was changed from the California Grape & Tree Fruit League to the California Fresh Fruit Association.

www.cafreshfruit.com

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