Industry News

Major Amendment Q&A – Volume Reporting

tractor at sunset

Several industry members have asked why 2019 production volume needs to be reported on the Major Amendment Ballot. Others have asked if the information is made public. Here are answers to these two important questions.

Volume Reporting – in order for the major amendment to pass, two thresholds need to apply: 

  • First, 40 percent of the eligible growers and handlers must cast a ballot. 
  • Second, a supermajority requirement that the vote pass by 65 percent ‘yes’ representing 50 percent of the commodity produced. This requirement can also be met by a 50 percent ‘yes’ vote representing 65 percent of the commodity produced. 

In either case, growers must report the volume they produced in order to determine if the supermajority requirements are met.

Volume is confidential – all ballots are sent to CDFA, who maintains the confidentiality of the vote and reported volume. Neither the CRC or the public is provided this information. 

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California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

California Warehouse Association – Foreign Materials Prevention

The California Warehouse Association (CWA) has shared the following informational letter and best practices flyer:

As the new harvest season approaches, we hope this letter finds you well. This letter is a friendly reminder about the importance of maintaining the highest standards in keeping foreign materials out of trucks and bins. 

Our collective efforts to ensure purity and quality of the rice we handle are crucial not only for the success of our individual operations, but also for upholding the reputation of the entire California rice industry. Contaminants and foreign materials can compromise the quality of our product, lead to costly issues down the line, and impact our relationships with customers and partners. 

Here are a few best practices to keep in mind: 

1. Regular Inspections: Implement routine checks to ensure that all trucks and bins are clean and free from any residual materials before loading. A thorough inspection can help prevent cross-contamination. 

2. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all staff involved in the handling and transportation of rice are well-trained on procedures for maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contamination. 

3. Clear Protocols: Maintain clear and effective protocols for addressing any issues that arise, and make sure these protocols are communicated and followed consistently. 

4. Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean all equipment and facilities used in the handling and storage of rice to prevent contamination. 

Our shared commitment to these practices will not only help us maintain the high standards of our product but also contribute to a smoother and more efficient harvest season. We ask that you share these reminders with your growers and farm bins. A one-page flyer is included with this letter that can be easily distributed. The flyer can be downloaded here

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your ongoing dedication to the quality of California’s rice industry. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a successful and bountiful harvest season!

Drew Becker 
CWA President

For more information please contact the California Warehouse Association at (916) 441-1149 or email brooke@agamsi.com.