Section 561 Of Article 8.5. The Cannella Environmental Farming Act Of 1995 From California Food And Agricultural Code >> Division 1. >> Part 1. >> Chapter 3. >> Article 8.5.
561
. The Legislature finds and declares the following:
(a) California agriculture helps to feed the world and fuel our
economy. Agriculture provides one out of every 10 jobs in California,
and our state has led the nation in total farm production every year
since 1948. During 1993, California's 76,000 farms generated nearly
$20 billion in cash receipts and another $70 billion in economic
activity.
(b) Many farmers engage in practices that contribute to the
well-being of ecosystems, air quality, and wildlife and their
habitat. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in preserving open space
that is vital to the environment. Seventy-five percent of the nation'
s wildlife live on farms and ranches. Freshwater streams and
stockponds on farms and ranches provide habitat to millions of fish.
Corn, wheat, rice, and other field crops provide bountiful food and
habitat for deer, antelope, ducks, geese, and other wildlife.
(c) Environmental laws should be based on the best scientific
evidence gathered from public and private sources.
(d) Best scientific evidence should include the net environmental
impact provided by agriculture.
(e) Additional research is necessary to adequately inventory the
impact that agriculture has on the environment. Recognition should be
afforded to agricultural activities that produce a net benefit for
the environment, which is consistent with the growing trend of
providing incentives for the private sector to undertake economic
activities that benefit the environment.