2/25/2022

11:24 AM

11/9/2021

9:18 AM

11/9/21

9:20 AM

7/30/21 4:10 PM

7/13/2021 12:05 PM

Hello Members,

The UFW has taken to picketing around farms after the U.S. Supreme Court decision (Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid)  that the California Agricultural Relations Board (ALRB) regulation allowing labor organizations to “take access” on an agricultural employer’s property requires providing the property owner with just compensation. The ALRB immediately halted the filing of Notices to Take Action and ruled those granted as invalid.

The U.S. and California Constitution guarantee the right to assembly peacefully. There are restrictions which include any activity that involves trespassing on private property, blocking free passage on a public sidewalk, a public highway, or attempting to prevent others from doing their jobs. Individuals cannot block entrances or points of egress from private property. 

If the UFW does protest and you think they might be on your property,  blocking an entrance or anything else that prevents people from performing their jobs, or assembled unsafely in an area putting themselves and drivers in an unsafe situation, DO NOT engage them. Call the sheriffs. Or call the highway patrol if a traffic safety issue is involved. Let law enforcement determine if there is an unlawful assembly.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Manuel Cunha, Jr. President

Peter Aguayo General Counsel

Luis Ramirez Immigration and Labor

Growers Looking Out for

Growers and Farm Workers

Nisei Farmers League

1775 North Fine Avenue

Fresno, CA 93727

Office - 559-251-8468

7/2/2021 11:13 a.m.

BINS

RBA Growers, please contact our office ASAP if you are in need of bins for the 2021 harvest season and we will work on securing them for you. Also, please contact our office if you or anyone you know has bins available for sale.

RBA Office: 559-221-1925

Thanks,

RBA Management Team

7/2/2021 11:13 a.m.

PAPER TRAYS

Please contact our office if you are needing to secure paper trays. The RBA needs a good estimate on what our growers are needing for the 2021 harvest season.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU SECURE PAPER TRAYS NOW DUE TO THE PAPER SHORTAGE.

RBA Office: 559-221-1925

Thanks,

RBA Management Team

10/30/2020 11:47 a.m.

RBA RECEIVING STATION NOW ACCEPTING RAISINS

The RBA has leased the L&P facility at 3636 N Grantland Ave., Fresno, CA 93723 and is now accepting raisin deliveries. For more information contact our office at 559-221-1925.

Varietals being accepted at the RBA receiving station include: Thompson Seedless, Fiestas, Selma Petes, Dovine, and Zante Currants.

9/18/2020 9:47 a.m.

USDA CFAP 2 PROGRAM

https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/specialty

We're pleased to announce that the USDA has added raisins to the eligible crop list for the CFAP program!

The RBA extends a big thank you to our lobbyists and local congressmen for working hard on the industry's behalf to make this happen!

The CFAP 2 program starts 9/21/20 and runs through 12/11/20. Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages with the team at the FSA county office.

You can also click on the link provided that will take you directly to the specialty crop info, raisins are listed under eligible fruits in the specialty crop sector.

07/27/2020 12:11 p.m.

RBA OFFERS 2020 MOU TO PACKERS

The RBA Board of Directors has offered the following MOU’s for the 2020 NTS & Zante Currant crops. We’ve asked the Packers to respond within 10 business days and will update you after the August 10th reply deadline.

August 2019

ATTENTION RBA & INDEPENDENT GROWERS:

Fellow Raisin Growers, RBA Members, and Independent Growers,

In 1966 a group of raisin growers banded together and created the Raisin Bargaining Association. These growers were tired of uncertainty in the raisin industry. They were tired of not knowing what price they would get for their crop, or if their crop would even be sold. In order to have a voice they joined together and formed the RBA. For the past 53 years the RBA and it’s concept has worked to set a crop value. Good years, bad years, and everything in between the RBA was able to help growers get a fair price for their crop.

If we are not careful, this year could be a huge step backwards for raisin growers. A giant step back in to the past where the small grower has no voice and no certainty on what you will receive for the hard work you put in throughout the year to produce and harvest your crop.

With endless rumors circling around and even requests to end your ties with the RBA in order to receive advancements or a home for your raisins, the time has come for our raisin growers to remain calm and stay united.

We ask Independent Growers to also stand with the RBA by either joining our membership or refusing to sign any contract that is out of the norm. When was the last time an independent grower received less than what the RBA negotiated for? We are asking for your help. RBA and Independent growers account for 60% of California raisin growers and together we have a powerful voice.

If ever there was a time to stay united and come together as one loud voice, this is the year. The RBA’s new slogan STRONGER TOGETHER has never rung more true.

Sincerely,

E.G. Huter, III

RBA 2nd Vice President

7/17/2018                                                                                                                           3:00 p.m.

R.A.C. Unclaimed Funds

The RAC has a list of growers who have unclaimed funds from the 2009 reserve.  If you're on this list please contact the RAC immediately so payment arrangements can be made.  

7/9/18                                                                                                                                 10:50 a.m.

USED BINS & FARM EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

RBA Member David Lehman has roughly 150 used bins for sale in addition to farm equipment.  Anyone interested should call him directly at 559-349-4444. 

RBA NEWS

4/20/2018                                                                                                                            11:35 A.M.

AMERICAN VINEYARD MAGAZINE INTERVIEW 

4/3/2018
9:30 A.M.

WINE GRAPE PURCHASES,RAISIN PRODUCTION, & SHIPMENTS

RBA Board Member Dwayne Cardoza

WARNING

Dear RBA Growers,

If you have mealeybug and are planning to make raisins, farm advisors are recommending that you burn your used paper trays. By shredding your paper trays you may risk transferring the mealybug. The pest can be transferred by wind, trailer, and tractor tires to adjcent fields.

RBA Management

Dear RBA Members,

Your Board of Directors have brought back the popular “Membership Drive.”  Anyone who signs a new Raisin Grower into the RBA, and they deliver to a RBA Signatory Packer will receive a ten dollar ($10.00) per ton award for the 2017/18 crop year.  If you need “Membership Agreements,” call our office and we will mail them to you.  (559-221-1925)