How You Can Participate

Board of Directors Meetings

CLFP holds three board of directors meetings each year. The annual board meeting is held each spring, the fall meeting is held in October and the board also meets in February during the annual Food Processing Expo in Sacramento. Board meetings are an excellent way to network with your food-producing industry peers, be involved in CLFP business and actions, and hear from speakers involved in the industry.

Capitol Day

Part of CLFP’s work in building relationships with legislators in California includes holding an annual Capitol Day in Sacramento. In recent years the event has been held in June, and it provides an excellent forum for CLFP member company representatives to meet with legislators, regulators and representatives of Governor Jerry Brown's office to discuss issues affecting the food processing industry. It’s also an opportunity for legislators and government representatives to see the companies and people behind CLFP.

DC Fly-In

Several years ago, CLFP stepped up its relationship-building efforts in the nation’s capital by launching a Washington, D.C., Fly-In. The event provides CLFP members the opportunity to meet with the California Central Valley Congressional delegation and discuss current industry issues and also meet with a variety of government agencies.

Supplier Host Council (SHC) Golf Tournament

Each fall, CLFP holds a golf tournament in Stockton, CA which is sponsored by CLFP's Supplier Host Council, a select group of affiliate members, and provides an opportunity for affiliate and processor members to come together for a day of golf to benefit CLFP's Scholarship Program.

Food Processing Expo

CLFP produces an annual Food Processing Expo, which is held in February in Sacramento. The Expo is the largest event of its kind devoted exclusively to the food-producing industry. The Expo provides an opportunity for affiliate members to exhibit (at a reduced rate) and for processor members to view the latest industry technology and services. View our Expo website here. 

Committees

Several active policy committees are the backbone of CLFP. Experts from member companies come together with our experienced staff to identify emerging issues and to recommend policy actions for consideration by the Board of Directors. Committee membership is open to all processor and affiliate member companies, and some of our key committees include the following:

Agricultural Productions Committee

Industry experts in agricultural production address a variety of issues related to agricultural technology, crop protection and food safety. This committee provides technical analysis on pesticide issues along with other issues that affect the growers who supply raw products to the food processing industry.

Energy Resources Committee

This committee is actively involved with a wide range of energy issues in California, including rate-setting proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission, energy efficiency programs, demand response tariffs, and research programs. The prime objective is to ensure that food processors receive fair and reasonable rates and obtain reliable quality service.

• Electric Rate Subcommittee
• Natural Gas Subcommittee

Environmental Committee

California has one of the most rigorous environmental regulatory regimes in the nation, posing significant challenges for food processors. This committee closely monitors the myriad of regulations and proposed legislation regarding air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, wastewater, byproduct management, solid waste recycling, and toxics.

• Air Quality Subcommittee
• Solid Waste Subcommittee
• Water Resources Subcommittee

Food Safety, Nutrition, & Labeling Committee

This committee actively monitors federal and state laws and regulations and provides timely issue updates to CLFP members. The committee’s objective is to ensure that regulatory agencies use sound science when reviewing public health risks and avoid unnecessary product labeling requirements.

Labor & Employment Committee

This committee tracks labor regulations, worker health and safety, and workers’ compensation. The committee promotes sharing of worker safety best practices programs.

Legislative Affairs Committee

The most important function of CLFP is to effectively represent the interests of food processors at all levels of state government. The committee works with staff to set legislative priorities, evaluate bills proposed in the Legislature, and identify potential coalition partners. The committee also helps to coordinate CLFP’s annual Capitol Day and ensures that CLFP has clear and consistent policy messages.

Tomato Processing Research Committee

Emphasizes tomato processing science and technology toward improving process, quality and economic efficiency.

Transportation & Logistics Committee

This Committee is responsible for monitoring transportation and logistics issues affecting California food processors, and helping members resolve problems. Key topics of interest will include truck, rail, and ocean shipping rates, services, and regulations, and ocean port cargo logistics. Specific issues include truck weight and length regulations and hours of service regulations for drivers. The Committee will work closely with affiliate members in the transportation and logistics industry along with other trade associations.