Opposition to
Sonoma County
Ballot Measure –
Measure J
City Council Meeting
August 20, 2024
Scott Alonso, Government Affairs Officer
Presented by:
Introduction
Measure J
• “Prohibition on Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations” – Sonoma County General Election Ballot : Measure J
• Provisions of Measure J:
• Phases out certain existing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) (Medium and Large CAFOs)
• Prohibits approval of any new CAFO
• A simple majority is needed to enact Measure J into law • The measure would apply to the unincorporated areas of Sonoma County
Background
2023:
• Organizers supporting Measure J began collecting signatures from registered voters in Sonoma County
2024:
April
• The County Registrar of Voters verified the measure received the required number of signatures
May 14, 2024:
• The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors adopted an official opposition position
• Measure J placed on the November ballot
Measure J Overview:
• Bans all CAFOs in the county
• Prohibits the establishment of future CAFOs
• CAFOs are defined by the EPA as facilities where animals are confined and fed or maintained for 45 days or more in any 12-month period, without sustaining crops, vegetation, forage growth or post harvest residues that are not sustained in the normal growing season over any portion of the lot or facility
Implementation Timeline:
• Existing CAFOs would have three years to cease operations if Measure J passes in November
Penalties and Enforcement:
• Daily penalties for non-compliance:
$1,000 for the first day
$5,000 for the second day
$10,000 for the third day
• Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner will oversee compliance Analysis
Economic Impact:
• County Economic Development Board Analysis (May 2024) Estimated $259 million loss in agricultural products
$38 million reduction in spending
Up to 60 farms and businesses could be negatively impacted For every job lost from the livestock and poultry production sector – we would lose one additional job from our local economy
Fiscal Impact:
• Potential adverse effects on local businesses involved in the agricultural supply chain
• Agricultural workers residing within city limits could face job losses • Negative impacts to the City’s General Fund
Analysis continued
6 The Communications & Intergovernmental Relations
Office recommends that the Council, by motion, formally oppose Measure J, a ballot measure on the November 5,
2024, general election ballot.
Recommendation
Questions?