Together We Thrive! Cannabis and Wine Win!

At the beginning of this month, Governor Gavin Newsom issued his revised state budget to the State Legislature reaffirming the state’s commitment to help grow the cannabis industry, streamline the licensing process and extend provisional licenses to help cannabis operators ease into annual licenses.

We are very pleased with the Governor’s early actions in providing a level of certainty and purpose through the regulatory and legislative process. As farmers, the more lead time we have to plan the less risk we encounter. The California market, although healthy, remains volatile as we continue to navigate constant modifications and changes in local and state regulations, fees and taxes.

We are delighted to announce and share that one of our members, Teddy Cabugos, President of Sunstone Winery and his winemaker Brittany Rice earned the approval of the Santa Barbara County Planning Commission. Teddy is a good friend of sun-grown organic cannabis farmers and virtuoso pioneering marketing wizard. They will become the first Cannabis and Wine Project in the County, and possibly in the entire state of California.

Please vew their majestic vineyard here and their feature coverage in the Santa Barbara Independent – “Weed and Wine Come Together in Santa Ynez Valley”.

From the beginning, Good Farmers Great Neighbors has always taken a view that we are at our best when we work together with our community and neighbors. Central Coast Agriculture won that distinction recently with a strong affirmation of support from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

 

…”I think one of our planning commissioners stated this – the ‘Odor Control Plan’, is the Platinum Standard….

  • Supervisor Steve Lavagnino

 

“ I like hoops, because when I look at hoops…I see reduced pesticide use, I see reduced water use, I see a superior working environment for our agricultural workers”.

  • Supervisor Bob Nelson, Chair

 

“The VOC testing will help us in the future, …and I think it’s an important addition to our portfolio of managing cannabis projects going forward”.

  • Supervisor Gregg Hart

 

Our collective commitment has always been clear: we are from the community, we are here for the community and will work tirelessly to work together with all our neighbors, friends, community leaders and interested parties to help build a sustainable future for economic growth and prosperity for all.

Together We Thrive!

Eternally grateful and appreciative, please send us your thoughts, suggestions and comments.

 

Sara Rotman and John De Friel, Co-Founders

 

 

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Community Strength, Progress and Promise

In 2019, we commissioned the first county-wide survey of almost 1000 voters about cannabis related policy issues and what voters felt about its future promise.

Today, we take a moment to reflect on voters’ responses to a few significant questions that helped our community build friendships and partnerships with wine growers, vineyards, local business organizations and agricultural tourism efforts.

Survey Question #17 stated the following;

Do you agree that the local cannabis industry and the wine tasting and vineyard industry should work together to spur economic growth, create good paying jobs and contribute to the overall quality of life of the local community?

  • A resounding 62% strongly agreed and the respondents political affiliations were equally telling with 70% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans and 62% of Independents across the board in support.

 

We asked a follow up question to probe respondents thinking on the topic.

Survey Question #18: Do you support co-branding and co-marketing among the local cannabis farmers and wine growers to help grow the economy and produce good paying jobs?

  • Once again voters in the county responded with 63% strongly agree and only 14% in disagreement, with more than 60 percent support across every political party affiliation – including independents.

Well we listened, and we’ve been working diligently with our friends in the wine industry, business and travel experts and policy makers who also carry our mutual love to preserve our farmlands and agriculture. Progress has been made, and soon we will launch a new experience.

In the meantime, we invite you to register to receive its newsletter at Santa Barbara Sun Grown, please click here: https://santabarbarasungrown.com/

As we enter spring and enjoy warm days with cool evenings, we are reminded every day of how special and unique our valley is and its deep history of farming innovation and collective promise. Let us share in that promise to share its prosperity for all who care about its future.

We welcome your feedback and ideas.

In friendship,

Sara Rotman and John De Friel, Co-Founders

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National and Community Leadership

Momentum continues to build among congressional leaders in support of federal legislation to recognize cannabis and address criminal justice reform, banking and commerce regulatory issues.

This week a large group of bi-partisan members of Congress re-introduced the Safe Banking Act of 2021 to provide additional safe harbor provisions for banks, credit unions and insurance companies.

It is very likely that the Safe Banking Act will pass in some form this year and in doing so will give the green light to local and regional banks and financial institutions to provide comprehensive financial services to legal cannabis businesses and farmers. This proposal is strongly supported by the American Bankers Association, US Credit Union Association and the Insurance Agents Organization.

Santa Barbara County has a wealth and diverse group of banks, credit unions and insurance providers who may benefit when the legislative proposal passes this year and is signed into law by the President either as a stand alone bill or part of a larger comprehensive legislative package.

Concurrently, the Congressional leaders of the House of Representatives announced this week that they will re-introduce the MORE ACT to deliberate the final details to outright legalize cannabis and provide a regulatory framework to move forward as soon as possible.

Equally important, the Senate Majority Leader, Chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee and a Senator who’s voice echoes the great civil rights leader John Lewis, got together over the weekend and produced a video – declaring their strong commitment and collective purpose to pass a comprehensive cannabis legislative package this year. Click here to view.

Closer to home, we as a community and a family are beginning to see and experience the careful re-opening of local businesses, restaurants, eateries, cafés, parks and beaches. We stand hopeful and grateful with all of our friends, neighbors and community who leaned in over the past year and provided good counsel and helpful advice to keep the faith, stay united, continue to outreach, build coalitions and strengthen local partnerships.

To this end, we invite you to celebrate with us and hundreds more a fun loving annual event, here – in our community, the Buellton Brew Festival!

This year, for obvious reasons, the Buellton Brew Fest will be celebrated creatively from the comforts of your home, garage or backyards – bringing music, entertainment, craft beers and local wine to your doorstep.

Click here to get your tickets

This is our moment as a community to continue to demonstrate our resolve and strength to be the best outdoor, sungrown, organic cannabis farmers in the region – integrating the most effective water and environmentally sustainable practices that state regulators frequently recognize.

We welcome your feedback and insights.

Tell a friend and join us.

In appreciation,

Sara and John

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The State of our State – Brighter by the Day

Last night, Governor Newsom delivered his State of the State annual address from Dodgers Baseball Stadium and although he addressed many relevant and critical issues, a couple of statements stand out to us as a declared essential industry and economic growth contributor that touches every facet mentioned below.

Our agricultural industry feeds the nation….California has the most innovation, venture capital, and small-business investment in this country. We will keep investing and fostering every small entrepreneur – the drivers of our GDP. – Gov. Gavin Newsom

We couldn’t agree more. Our cannabis farmers and entrepreneurs have literally led the state in stabilizing the workforce and providing economic security for tens of thousands of workers – 40,000 statewide and more than 2,500 here close to home.

At the national level more than 240,000 cannabis full time jobs have been created and it is currently the fastest growing industry in the United States, showing double-digit growth since 2017.

States such as Arizona, Florida, Oregon and Oklahoma are aggressively attracting more and more investments and government assistance to grow their cannabis economy. According to the recent Leafly 2020 Jobs Report, Arizona, Oregon and Oklahoma cannabis economy grew by more than 19% from 2019 – 2020, creating more than 42,000 full time jobs and having a combined market value of approximately $1.9 billion.

More good news was presented this week by the County of Santa Barbara – general tax revenues exceeded expectations with cannabis taxes leading the way at $3.4 million, followed by property transfer taxes at $2.5 million and sales taxes at $1.7 million. Only county property taxes surpassed cannabis with more than $3.5 million collected. Read more on the Lompoc Record

Santa Barbara County Supervisor Das Williams reflected on the good news: “Cannabis has saved public services…I do think there’s a pressing need to use marijuana tax revenue as an ongoing source.” – Santa Maria Times, 3/5/21

According to the California League of Cities, more municipalities that onced banned all cannabis operations will start to open up in 2021, having seen the jobs, tax revenue and public health benefits of a highly regulated industry.

The future economic picture for the state is looking brighter, but we must also stay united and remain diligent against anti-cannabis forces who continue to spread falsehoods and misinformation in an effort to try to undermine the County’s “cannabis ordinance” and state laws.

We are hopeful that better days are ahead and encouraged by the local community leadership to invigorate collaborations between “wine and cannabis” to promote and develop regional tourism initiatives, benefiting our local hotel and lodging industry.

Stay in touch, send us your ideas and join our efforts.

With gratitude,

Sara and John

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We Are Leading the Way

This week the U.S. Cannabis Council (USCC), a newly formed strategic alliance of progressive equity and cannabis national leaders, issued their policy priorities for the new Congress. A few of their priorities include:

  • De-scheduling cannabis from the list of controlled substances
  • Building upon the MORE Act passed by the House of Representatives
  • Support for meaningful social equity policies and programs

More importantly, USCC (http://www.uscannabiscouncil.org/) asked President Biden to consider an executive order to pardon all non-violent federal cannabis offenders and expunge criminal records associated with non-violent cannabis-related offenses. In California, through Proposition 64 and the leadership of both former Governor Jerry Brown and Governor Newsom, we have been leading the way on social equity initiatives and restorative justice reforms. We support these measures nationally, and remain hopeful that both the President and the Congressional Leadership move in unison to enact them into federal law relatively soon.

In Santa Barbara County, we are fiercely committed to ending the food insecurity issues faced by our most vulnerable populations, especially in North County. The county has the 3rd highest rate of food insecurity in the state, and we must be resilient with our ongoing partnership with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County to deliver food and other vital resources to families and children in need. Please take a moment and donate here.

Finally, we would like to highlight one of our local farmers, Khalid Al Naser – who shares his passion for farming in a “The Cannabis Corner” feature in the Santa Barbara Independent, written by reporter Matt Kettmann. You can read about Khalid’s story here.

Let’s continue our strong support for community engagement and advocacy as we face an ever changing regulatory and political landscape this year.

Together We Will Thrive,

Sara and John

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Progress, Reform and Greater Possibilities

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act was passed on a bi-partisan majority vote in December by the House of Representatives.

The MORE Act will decriminalize marijuana and remove it from the federal schedule of controlled substances, and provide for regulation and taxation of legal cannabis sales. According to the most recent Gallup Poll survey, more than 68% of Americans believe cannabis should be legal. At the federal level, cannabis arrests, charges and convictions would be automatically expunged at no cost to the individual. The Bill would ensure the federal government could not discriminate against people because of cannabis use.

More than 600,000 Americans are arrested or cited every year for cannabis possession.

Today 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized adult-use of cannabis and another 36 states have approved medical cannabis programs.

What’s Next

Senate Majority Leader Schumer has selected Senators Cory Booker and Ron Wyden, Chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, to draft a comprehensive federal legislative proposal incorporating some of restorative justice reform provisions in the MORE Act and other provisions that will set federal policy on a path toward correcting an unfair system, ensure interstate commerce and fairly regulate consumer protections.

“Serious criminal justice reform cannot begin in our country without ending the war on cannabis. Removing criminal and non-criminal penalties is essential to a more just society. Simple possession charges or a conviction can end the hopes of getting a place to live, an education or a job. Cannabis arrests, charges and convictions should be automatically removed from individual criminal histories. Our nation seeks to rebuild its economy, we should not hold back hope because of outdated laws that have been unevenly enforced and that most Americans no longer support. The cannabis community now generates billions in sales and hundreds of millions in state tax revenues, critical for states facing budget challenges of historic proportions. Here, close to home, in Santa Barbara County we have developed programs that have created thousands of jobs and generated local economic activities for contractors, suppliers, professional services and support for small family-owned businesses. We are humbled and take pride every day of our efforts in building the very best cannabis sun-grown community in the region.” –Sara Rotman and John De Friel, Co-founders of Good Farmers Great Neighbors

We remain confident, the future is bright and our state and region will continue to lead the way. Last year, Governor Newsom with the strong support of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), signed into law SB 185 to help protect cannabis farmers and allow producers to build brand awareness in counties and regions of the state to produce and manufacture high quality or organic cannabis farming and products.

Join us and together we will thrive,

Sara and John

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Promote ag best practices! Make your voice heard for farmers like John paving the way.

Hi Friend,

As the owner of Central Coast Agriculture (CCA) and co-Founder of Good Farmers Great Neighbors, John De Friel has worked tirelessly to develop cannabis as an emerging agricultural crop in North County. Learning from other farmers, he’s taken the time to incorporate decades of technological advancements in row crop farming with innovative technologies for water conservation and soil fertility, including hoop-houses, plastic mulch and drip irrigation.

Watch John’s ag beginnings, work to revitalize ag acreage in North County and plans for the future of ag tourism

Like so many of his peers, John and CCA have not been immune to permit challenges. After nearly two years, the County Planning Commission will be reviewing John’s permit on October 28th.

Will you take a minute to sign on to our petition to encourage agricultural best practices that are beneficial to the environment?

It takes all of us to promote the farming practices that tap into our proud agricultural traditions, benefit the environment and improve crop efficiency.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we will thrive as good farmers and great neighbors.

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We Remain Appreciative and Confident

Hi Friend,

First and foremost, our appreciation and salute to all State, County and City Firefighters who are protecting us from the most dreadful wildfires in California in a century.

To date, over 2.2 million acres of land have been scorched in 25 counties – including Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey. There’s been more than 7,606 fires statewide destroying an estimated 150 million trees. We send our prayers and thoughts to all firefighters, their families and the victims of these devastating burns.

Residents of North County in particular please be careful and diligent about smoke and air pollution. Avoid being outdoors and exposed to fire generated smoke and excessive heat.

Please follow the guidelines of both the Air Quality Boards of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

Click below to learn more:

https://www.ourair.org/wildfire-smoke-and-health-infographic/

https://www.slocleanair.org/air-quality/wildfire.php

More Cannabis Tax Revenues

Over the past two fiscal years (2018 – 2020) Santa Barbara County has collected $19 million dollars. During the last reported fiscal quarter (April – June), Cannabis Farmers paid more than $5.5 million dollars in taxes to the County.

“It is important to understand that this revenue is significant … where other entities are cutting back dramatically their public services”, declared Supervisor Das Williams.

Santa Barbara County has dedicated 297 acres for cannabis farming, mostly in the Lompoc Valley with 104 acres, followed by Santa Ynez Valley with 97 acres, Carpinteria with 67 acres and Santa Maria with 19 acres for cultivation.

Governor Newsom’s executive order declaring the ‘cannabis supply-chain’ essential in March provided both marketplace certainty and regulatory reliance during an economic downturn experiencing massive unemployment, especially in the hospitality and food service sectors.

Our very own Sara Rotman, CEO of Busy Bee’s Organics, and her husband Nate Diaz were recently interviewed by Bloomberg TV (click to view) underscoring these efforts and how appreciative farmers are in doing what they love and retaining their local workforce.

Trends in Cannabis

A survey of 10,000 California Cannabis Consumers have shown a propensity to reduce or replace alcohol and pharmaceutical consumption to find relief and enjoyment from cannabis. See report here.

High Tax Rates Push Cannabis Consumers out of the Legal Market: The Importance of Proper State and Local Cannabis Tax Policy. See report here.

Other News:

Vintner’s 3rd Wine Bid Fails, Stephen Pepe of Clos Pepe Vineyards

Vintners announced they were scrapping their third Wine BID proposal- the 1 1⁄2% on tasting room sales and will next week propose 1% on all DTC sales which would include wine club sales but not wholesale wine sales to the Trade.

Spotlight:

Lompoc Mayor, Jenelle Osborne has been a leader on a mission. Her passion and energy to address and find practical solutions for the all the residents of Lompoc is exemplary. As Mayor, she has led efforts to attract various elements of the cannabis industry – including manufacturing, processing, laboratory testing and retail to anchor their operations in the City of Lompoc. As such, even during the COVID Pandemic, the City continues to experience economic growth and job creation. Moreover, Mayor Osborne is a dedicated public servant with unique skills to also address the area’s social ills of poverty, income inequality and social equity. She has a deep understanding of how public and private partnerships can improve the quality of life for all residents, especially the most vulnerable. Her optimistic energy is contagious and merits consideration of our support. Click here to learn more.

 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we will thrive as good farmers and great neighbors.

 

 

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Just the Facts! – Promising Future of Hemp and Cannabis

Hi Friend,

After over a year of meetings, public comment and county data, Supervisors will again be discussing additional regulations for local cannabis farmers next Tuesday, July 14. As Good Farmers and Great Neighbors we pride ourselves on looking at the data, so before next week’s meeting here’s some key points to remember.

Send an email to County Supervisors Supporting Local Farmers

What state and local experts are saying…

“I really think that over time we are going to start looking at cannabis as agriculture, as it should have been looked at from the beginning … cannabis can help those small grape growers who are struggling to survive…” – Tony Linegar, Sonoma County Ag Commissioner, North Bay Business Journal

State Facts

In 2019, Sonoma Ag Commissioner’s Office estimated the value of local cannabis equals about $5.9 million per acre, far outpacing the almost $13,000 average per-acre value of wine grapes.

“Area dairy farmers, who have dealt with declining prices in the organic milk market, also will start growing or leasing their land for hemp and cannabis cultivation.” – Tony Linegar, Sonoma County Ag Commissioner, Press Democrat

Science Facts

Professor Sellu implemented a study to measure drift from hemp acreage into vineyards at SRJC’s Shone Vineyard and Farm. The conclusion: No Hemp Terpenes were detected on wine grapes or in wine made from those grapes. – Professor George Sellu, Santa Rosa Junior College, Agribusiness Program, PhD in Agricultural Science, University of California – Davis. Click here to view Dr. Sellou’s study.

Economic Equity and Opportunity

“Hemp, like other grain crops such as corn, rice and wheat requires a much lower capital investment compared to wine grapes, which cost anywhere from $25 – 35k per acre to plant.

More importantly, Hemp provides a higher revenue per acre compared to other grain crops which could help low-income farmers service their business loans and potentially become financially independent. Preventing low-income farmers from increasing their revenue stream in a shorter time is an elitist mentality that needs to be challenged.” – Professor George Sellu, Made Local Magazine, Sonoma County Food Action Plan, Sustaining Technologies

A Local Farmer’s Perspective

“De Friel supplements his knowledge of bioengineering with years of family history in farming lettuce, celery, onions, potatoes and apples in California, Oregon and Washington…views cannabis as just another agricultural crop.” – Just a Plant: Farmers Stress that Cannabis is another agricultural commodity, Santa Maria Sun, click here to view profile on John De Friel, Farmer of Central Coast Agriculture and others.

Let us continue to work together to build a better future for Santa Barbara County where we all share in its economic prosperity and promise to collaborate with respect and integrity.

Join us in adding your voice to a growing concert of farmers, entrepreneurs, business suppliers, workers and their families with a commitment to support the very best sun grown, pesticide-free cannabis cultivation practices in Santa Barbara County.

Please consider sending a letter of support for sustainable jobs and economic growth to the Board of Supervisors before Monday at 5pm.

 

SUPPORT OUR FARMERS JULY 14TH
There are new guidelines to provide public comment to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors:
To make a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, the following methods are available:
  • Distribution to the Board of Supervisors: Submit your comment via email prior to 5 p.m.. on the day prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at: [email protected]. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
  • By Phone: If you would like to make a comment by phone, please call (805) 568-2240 and state your name, your phone number and which item you would like to speak on and the clerk will call you at the appropriate time. Please make every effort to be available and mute all streaming devices once it is your turn to speak.
  • You may observe the live stream of the Board of Supervisors meetings on:
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we will thrive as good farmers and great neighbors.

 

 

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Santa Barbara County Women Pioneers in Farming and Cannabis Cultivation

Hi Friend,

The 2017 Census of Agriculture reports that there are more women directly involved in operations than in previous years.
Why does this matter?
Because when you can see others who look like you accomplish something, it gives you the hope, drive, and the desire to succeed as well. A quote from FarmHer is, “Images change perceptions. Perceptions become reality. A new reality means equal treatment, pay, opportunities, involvement and recognition.” That is why a 15.47 percentage point increase is such a huge deal.
 
GROWTH OF WOMEN IN FARMING
In the 2012 census, women were principal operators of 13.66 percent of farms in the United States. In the 2017 census, that number grew to 29.13 percent.
A little more than 36 percent of American producers were women as reported by the 2017 census, which was an increase from 31.5 percent in 2012.
This means over 500,000 more women are now principal producers on their farms or ranches than in 2012. Over 250,000 more women are involved in agriculture in any capacity than in 2012.

FEMALE PIONEERS IN CANNABIS CULTIVATION

Here closer to home, we have women pioneers who are at the pinnacle of innovation and creativity in farming and cannabis cultivation. Last week, the Santa Barbara Independent profiled these women of courage on their cover entitled “The Agro Women of Santa Barbara County”, by Ninette Paloma. Take a view here.
Here are some of their observations about farming, cultivation and related activities.
  • “Just take a look around our Farmers’ market” – Noey Turk of Yes Yes Nursery
  • …”Being surrounded by family and animals and mother nature feels soulful in a way that I could have never imagined.” – Kirsten Becker, Farmer, Valley Heart Ranch
  • “There’s so much wonder outdoors and it’s so empowering to know you have the ability to raise your own food.” – Clara Cadwell, Farmer Tutti Frutti Farms
  • “We take pride in the work that we do…and we consider ourselves part of one collective family.” – Maria “Lupe” Monroy, Farm Team Leader, Stolpman Vineyards
  • “As women, it’s in our DNA to gather information…because we’ve been historically marginalized, we’re appropriately skeptical and less dogmatic about the next thing, which is why I value your voices first.” – Sara Rotman, Farmer, Busy Bee Organics, addressing a crowd of female farmers, winemakers, politicians, hospitality leaders and neighbors.
  • “Cultivating the mind and spirit encourages a deep connection to our food sources and land, something most of us are missing in our daily lives.” – Chiara Shannon, Owner, Yogi Sommelier Wellness
SUPPORT OUR FARMERS
Join us in support of all farming, especially sun grown, pesticide free cannabis cultivation providing an equal opportunity for many of our community to fully participate and benefit economically – creating more than 4,000 jobs countywide.
New guidelines to provide public comment to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors:
To make a general public comment or to comment on a specific agenda item, the following methods are available:
  • Distribution to the Board of Supervisors: Submit your comment via email prior to 5 p.m.. on the day prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at: [email protected]. Your comment will be placed into the record and distributed appropriately.
  • By Phone: If you would like to make a comment by phone, please call (805) 568-2240 and state your name, your phone number and which item you would like to speak on and the clerk will call you at the appropriate time. Please make every effort to be available and mute all streaming devices once it is your turn to speak.
  • You may observe the live stream of the Board of Supervisors meetings on:
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Together, we will thrive as good farmers and great neighbors.

 

 

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