Sep 6 Request for Governor Signature on AB 2786, Certified Mobile Farmers' Markets

September 6, 2024
The Honorable Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: Assembly Bill 2786 (Bonta), Certified Mobile Farmers’ Markets – Request for Signature

Dear Governor Newsom,

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I respectfully urge you to sign AB 2786 (Bonta). With strong bipartisan support, AB 2786 unanimously passed every committee and floor vote in the Assembly and the Senate. Mobile Farmers’ Markets are a proven and innovative model for bringing affordable, local, culturally relevant produce to underserved communities while providing economic stimulus to California farmers. With passage of this bill, California can lead the way in providing new and innovative access points to connect farmers with WIC participants. 

AB 2786 would formally define Certified Mobile Farmers Markets (CMFMs) in state law, and allow low-income families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to access fresh produce from them. Specially, the bill would provide for:

• WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program participants who are already using CalFresh and Market Match would be able to use them at CMFM sites.
• $30 in WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons from May to November to purchase produce from farmers' markets.
• 100% of costs would be supported by federal funding.

Sponsors of this bill have worked closely with the California Departments of Food and Agriculture and Public Health to ensure compliance with California’s direct marketing laws program. After registering and becoming certified with the CDFA, these markets would then be authorized to accept WIC FMNP benefits. Additionally, Proposition 4 (Climate Bond)—if passed by voters in November—would allocate $20 million for certified mobile farmers’ markets. AB 2786’s definition of CMFMs would strengthen the effectiveness of bond dispersal.

For these reasons, we respectfully request that you continue to support local food systems and nutrition access by signing into law AB2786.

Sincerely,

Dennis Rodoni

President, Marin County Board of Supervisors

CC:      Marin County Board of Supervisors
           Assemblymember Mia Bonta
           Senator Mike McGuire
           Assemblymember Damon Connolly