Yesterday, the Association hosted Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria (D-27) at the office as the legislature is about to reconvene to finish the 2025 legislative session. The Association has made an all-out push to incorporate funding allocations specifically for tractor and equipment replacement related programs administered by the San Joaquin Valley Air District (SJVAPCD). Attendees included Association President/CEO Roger Isom, Assistant Vice President of Technical Services Chris McGlothlin, Air District Executive Director/APCO Samir Sheikh, Morgan Lambert – Deputy APCO of the Air District, Mark Montelongo – Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the District, as well as Manuel Cunha from the Nisei Farmers League. The Association also discussed the ongoing efforts to find solutions for rat infestation in the westside of the Valley.
 
It was announced late last month that the Air District would be pausing the application process of their FARMER program due to the already existing backlog of projects, and the limited funding that is currently allocated for 2025. The fight for additional FARMER funding has been looped into the ongoing Cap & Trade reauthorization discussion, and the Association has been working to keep the funding request in the forefront of the legislature’s mind. With only one month left in this year’s legislative session, it’s time to put the pedal to the metal. Stay tuned for updates.