The Fresno-based Nisei Farmers League is raising concerns about diesel costs facing California farmers and truckers and is floating an Oct. 1 “No Movement of Goods Day” to draw attention to the cost of producing and transporting food.
In a Sept. 21 news release, Nisei Farmers League President Manuel Cunha Jr. said diesel costs are approaching $8 per gallon in parts of California. The organization also cited discussions among some diesel truckers about a possible work stoppage beginning Oct. 1.
However, separate claims circulating on social media about a coordinated nationwide trucker strike beginning Oct. 1 have not been substantiated.
Snopes reported Sept. 17 that it found no evidence supporting claims that U.S. truckers had organized a nationwide strike for that date. The fact-checking organization reported that searches did not identify authoritative sources announcing such a strike and that a spokesperson for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association described the claims as social media chatter.
The Nisei Farmers League release did not identify the truckers or organizations it said were discussing a work stoppage.
Fresno group proposes ‘No Movement of Goods Day’
Against that backdrop, the Nisei Farmers League made its own suggestion that Oct. 1 could be used to highlight the economic pressures facing agriculture and transportation through a coordinated “No Movement of Goods Day.”
The release did not provide details about how such an event would be organized or identify organizations that have committed to participate.
The group described agriculture and trucking as closely connected industries, with farmers relying on trucks to move crops, livestock, equipment and supplies. Truckers, in turn, depend on agricultural operations to generate goods for transportation throughout California and across the country, the organization said.
Fuel costs add to agricultural pressures
The Nisei Farmers League said fuel expenses compound other costs facing California agricultural producers.
It also pointed to state regulatory requirements and competition from imported agricultural products as pressures on California producers, citing citrus and wine among the affected industries.
According to the organization, high fuel costs increase expenses throughout the agricultural supply chain, affecting farmers, truckers, other businesses and consumers.
Group calls for state policy changes
The Nisei Farmers League called on state leaders to consider how policies affecting California refining capacity and reliance on imported fuel affect agriculture and transportation.
The organization said it wants policies that support domestic production, maintain fuel supplies and allow California businesses to remain competitive.
The Nisei Farmers League is based at 1775 N. Fine Ave. in Fresno. Cunha serves as the organization’s president.
With Oct. 1 approaching, the organization is seeking to draw attention to fuel costs and their effects on California agriculture and transportation, though evidence of a separately organized nationwide trucker strike has not emerged.
