Bill Seeks to Help Farmers and Winegrape Growers

State Senator Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, on Wednesday introduced new environmental legislation that is designed to benefit California farmers and winegrape growers.

SB 279 would allow farms and vineyards to compost large amounts of green waste onsite — now that California has banned nearly all agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley.

“Banning agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley was absolutely essential to protect our environment and health. Although the valley is an agricultural powerhouse, it is also home to some of the worst ozone and particulate pollution and has the highest child asthma rates in the country,” said Sen. McNerney, who is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee and whose district includes all of San Joaquin County. “SB 279 will provide California farms and vineyards with an eco-friendly alternative — the ability to compost large amounts of green waste onsite rather than having to ship it to another composting facility hundreds of miles away.”

For the full report, click here.