By Katie Cahill
California Rice Commission
SACRAMENTO, CA — Earlier this week, AB 1551 by Assemblymember Maggy Krell (D-Sacramento), which adds key authority to the California Rice Commission (CRC) to undertake activities in support of the Rice Footprint on behalf of the State of California, was been signed into law.
CRC thanked Assemblymember Krell for championing the bill and working diligently for its passage. Across every committee and floor vote, not a single member voted no.
Additionally, CRC thanked many partners in the conservation and water community for supporting the Rice Footprint. This year, 475,000 acres of rice were planted – exceeding the Rice Footprint goal. Those acres not only provided habitat during the growing season but will also be flooded this winter to support the waterfowl and shorebirds of the Pacific Flyway and provide habitat for juvenile salmon.
“This is a great step in continuing the long tradition of our industry walking hand in hand with an eye on growing a quality product and protecting our state's delicate habitat,” said Tom Butler, USA Rice Council Vice Chair and California rice farmer. “It's very fitting that its passing comes during harvest, where we reap the benefits of our crop and begin to look towards our winter flooding programs.”