Home » California restaurateurs oppose biotech crop bans

California restaurateurs oppose biotech crop bans

Sep 28, 2005 9:18 AM

The California Healthy Foods Coalition recently announced that the California Restaurant Association (CRA) and several additional agricultural organizations have joined the farm coalition’s efforts to promote the benefits of biotech crops and oppose efforts to ban agricultural biotechnology in California.

California’s $51 billion restaurant industry is dependent on California’s family farmers for a safe and reliable source of foods and fresh produce.

“California is home to the finest restaurants in the nation and this is due in part to our access to locally grown produce,” said Jot Condie, president/CEO of CRA. “With the number of consumer food dollars spent away from home growing, restaurants will be even more dependent on California’s family farmers to get the finest and most affordable foods and produce from their fields to our dining tables.”

A statewide poll conducted in May 2005 revealed that 54 percent of California voters think farmers should be allowed to grow biotech crops. The survey also revealed that support grows to 68 percent in the agricultural communities of California’s Central Valley. To date, 14 California counties stand with California’s family farmers in opposition to banning biotech crops in California.

It is estimated every $1 spent in restaurants generates more than $2 in business for other industries. The total economic impact of restaurant sales in California in 2005 is projected to be more than $103 billion. California is home to more food chains than any other state in the country.

The farm coalition also announced several new additions to the coalition: California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association, California Floral Council, California Poultry Federation, California Tomato Growers Association, Sacramento Valley Landowners Association, Sonoma County Grape Growers Association and the Ventura County Agricultural Association.

Previously released additions to the farm coalition included the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

Want to use this article? Click here for options!
© 2008 Penton Media, Inc.

Latest Jobs

resources

Fresno, CA Weather

Continuing Education

Accredited by California DPR and California and Arizona Certified Crop Advisers:

(New Course)
Nutrient Management in Key California Crops

This online CEU course offers a detailed look at the nutrient management in key California crops. It is sponsored online by Western Plant Health Association and funded by a grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Protection Program (FREP). It is accredited for one (1)-hour of credit by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for California Pest Control Advisers (PCA), Private Applicators, Qualified Applicators and Aerial Applicators. The course is also accredited for 3 units in Nutrient Management (NM) for California and Arizona Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs).

Accredited in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon and Washington and for Certified Crop Advisers:

(New Course)
Organic/Sustainable Agricultural Production in the West

Organic/sustainable agriculture is expanding rapidly in the U.S. with an average annual increase of 20% during the last 15 years. This course covers a wide range of pests and organic control strategies. It is accredited for up to 4 continuing education hours for PCAs and Applicator Licensees in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. It is also approved for Certified Crop Adviser credit.

ACCREDITED IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON:

(New Course)
Managing Spray Drift to Minimize Problems

This online spray drift management course has been certified by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Washington Department of Agriculture for 2 hours of credit for licensed Applicators and Consultants in Oregon and Washington.

ACCREDITED IN CALIFORNIA ONLY:

Almond Pest Management

Get the latest info on almond insect pest management and earn 2 hrs. CE DPR and CCA credit in California.

California Groundwater Protection Regulations

Earn 2 hrs. in California laws and regs CE and learn how to protect California groundwater supplies.

Disease Management in California Almonds

Managing diseases in California almond production is a year-long process. This course provides the latest information on controlling these diseases with management practices and fungicides. The course is approved for 2 CEUs by DPR for PCAs and all applicator categories and California CCAs.