This week the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association hosted Assembly Agricultural Committee Vice Chair Juan Alanis (22nd Assembly District) at Olam Cotton’s Silver Creek Gin in Firebaugh. The site visit was part of a larger two-day tour that included visits to a citrus packing house, stone fruit and table grape operation, pistachio processor and an almond huller. While visiting the cotton gin, Manager Matt Toste (CCGGA Past Chair) explained the entire cotton ginning process while highlighting some of the key issues facing the cotton industry such as the state’s critical water situation, overreaching air quality regulations and inequity in labor costs compared to other states and countries. Participating in the site visit was Association President/CEO Roger Isom, Assistant Vice President Priscilla Rodriguez, and Director of Technical Services Christopher McGlothlin. Partnering organizations included the Western Agricultural Processors Association, California Citrus Mutual, California Fresh Fruit Association and American Pistachio Growers.
