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There is a new bipartisan and bicameral caucus in the California Legislature.
Established in August, the California Food Caucus will focus on food production, economic development and food access and insecurity. c
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Assemblymembers Heather Hadwick, R-Alturas, José Luis Solache, D-Lynwood, and Esmeralda Soria, D-Fresno, will lead the new caucus for their chamber. Senate leaders have not been finalized yet.
“The Caucus began as an idea because we care about strengthening Californian’s food resilience, from production to consumption,” Solache said in a statement to The Sacramento Bee. “Our Caucus’s main focus will be on growing awareness on how to best support California’s food supply including agriculture, manufacturing, distribution, culinary industries and how to best increase food access throughout the state.”
The caucus is forming at a time when California — the largest agricultural producer in the United States — is leading the country on certain food policy issues, specifically ultra-processed food reforms. c
Hadwick, who is a farmer, said the first meeting took place last month, convening growers, restaurant representatives and food production experts. c
“We need to understand what it takes to grow and produce food, find new markets for California products, support the businesses that prepare and serve it and make sure families can access it,” Hadwick said in a statement to The Bee. “I also want my colleagues to hear the rural perspective. The challenges of producing and getting food to people can look very different in the communities I represent.”
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As for details about who else is in the caucus and when it will meet, Solache said the group is in the “early stages” and that he looks forward to formalizing it. The caucus will hold “regular membership meetings” in the coming year, he said.
“We hope that the knowledge we gather will be vital to improving the lives of all Californians who depend on California’s food supply for a living and for sustenance,” Solache said.
Hadwick said there is “something special about breaking bread with people,” and the caucus is an opportunity to do that.
“Assemblymember Solache and I hope this caucus creates more of those opportunities across industries and party lines, then turns what we learn into practical solutions,” Hadwick said. “Success would mean stronger opportunities for the people who grow and serve California food and better access to that food for families throughout the state.”
Soria did not respond to requests for comment.
Other bipartisan caucuses formed this year include the California Legislative Veterans Caucus and the California Legislative Children’s Caucus.
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