IMPACTS OF MEASURE J
To our Local Community
Measure J is a significant threat to Sonoma County agriculture, and would jeopardize our rural character and agricultural heritage. It is intentionally misleading, poorly written, and has too many unintended consequences.
The fact is, Measure J will:
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Increase food prices and reduce the availability of local, sustainably-grown foods. Nearly 50% of California’s organic milk is produced in Sonoma County, with 90% of Clover Sonoma and Straus Family Creamery’s organic milk sourced from local family-owned dairies.
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Drive multigenerational farm families out of business. These farmers have been stewards of the land for more than a century.
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Lead to significant job losses. According to an independent study, “…for every job lost from the livestock and poultry production sector, we can expect to lose one additional job from the Sonoma County economy.” (Source: Sonoma County’s 9111 Independent Impact Study on Measure J)
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Cripple our regional economy by slashing agricultural revenue and triggering widespread spending cuts. An independent study projects Measure J will inflict over a half a billion dollars in economic damage. Additionally, the measure’s unfunded mandates will burden taxpayers with millions in additional costs. (Source: Sonoma County’s 9111 Independent Impact Study on Measure J)
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Harm our environment by importing food from outside Sonoma County, or even California, increasing greenhouse gas emissions while reducing the number of animals that graze pasture lands prone to wildfires.
What is a CAFO?
A CAFO is a designation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by which appropriate regulations and oversight are employed to ensure the protection of natural resources. The designation of a CAFO includes confinement for at least 45 days or more in a calendar year. In Sonoma County, even organic, pasture-based dairies can be designated as a CAFO in that they house their animals in the winter months to offer clean-dry bedding, housing, and food to the animals while ensuring the protection of soil and pasture health.
What would happen to farms defined as CAFO’s under Measure J if the measure passes?
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Likely lead to the closure of farms classified as CAFO’s within three years of Measure J’s passage.
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Require a job retraining program for affected farmworkers, which would be paid for by Sonoma County taxpayers.
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Leave multi-generational family farms, some of which have existed for more than 100 years, without a way to sustain their operations, likely leading to the sale of these farms and their herds or flocks.
