In partnership with the Nisei Farmers League, the Association co-hosted Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Steve Hilton for a sit down with agricultural stakeholders at the CCGGA office.  With his prior experience working as a Senior Policy and Strategy Advisor within the British Conservative Party, and hosting a weekly show on Fox News in the United States, Hilton has become a more recognizable face within the crowded Governor’s race. 

Hilton opened the discussion by acknowledging the difficulties of having an “R” next to the name on the ballot in California, but detailed his perspective on the frustration with the current administration’s priorities.  Citing affordability for everyday Californians, energy unreliability, the limitation to develop any substantial project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as well as the mountain of regulatory requirements levied on business, Hilton envisions that a large percentage of the state is fed up.  Hilton then opened up the discussion to understand the big issues in agriculture. 

Hilton heard perspective from several commodity organizations such as the Western Tree Nut Association, California Citrus Mutual, the Nisei Farmers League, California Avocado Commission, American Pistachio Growers, California Apple Commission, California Blueberry Commission, California Olive Committee as well as several business owners and operational managers.  Hilton has some prior understanding of the significant issues agriculture faces such, as water availability, and increasing energy rates, and the current Federal Administration’s ongoing immigration policy, but took the time to hear from each representative on their big-ticket items.