Farmers and winegrape growers will be able to compost large amounts of agricultural waste onsite, such as when they remove an old orchard of vineyard, thanks to a new law, SB 279, by Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, that Gov. Gavin Newsom signed today.
The enactment of SB 279 follows the state’s ban earlier this year on most agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley.
“California farmers and winegrape growers are facing a new challenge now that burning agricultural waste is no longer allowed and must ship their green waste to large composting facilities, often hundreds of miles away at great expense,” said Sen. McNerney, D-Pleasanton, who is a member of the Senate Agricultural Committee. “With the governor signing SB 279, California farms and vineyards will have a more affordable alternative that is also good for the environment.”
SB 279, which takes effect Jan. 1, will also benefit community composting programs, urban farms, and school farms by allowing them to compost larger amounts of green waste onsite.
Source : ca.gov