A coalition of agricultural groups has moved to a neutral position on Assembly Bill 1264, while two prominent fruit organizations are actively backing the bill as it heads into a critical Senate Appropriations Committee vote next week.
The measure, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, would define ultraprocessed foods in California law and seeks to gradually phase them out of K-12 public schools. The groups initially opposed the bill, warning it could unintentionally sweep in wholesome products like dried fruit and 100% fruit juice. After a series of amendments clarified that minimally processed fruits and other value-added food products are excluded, industry leaders say the bill strikes a more balanced approach.
In a joint letter to the committee chair, California Citrus Mutual and the California Fresh Fruit Association expressed full support, emphasizing the changes ensure children retain access to nutritious, California-grown products. Separately, a coalition including Western Growers, the California Rice Commission, the Strawberry Commission and the Walnut Commission announced it is moving from opposition to a neutral stance, citing Gabriel’s willingness to engage with producers and accept amendments.
Gabriel highlighted that development at a press conference on Tuesday, calling it “a do or die moment for this bill” as it faces the appropriations vote. He promised that “the fresh fruits and vegetables that we grow here in California — our agriculture — are the solution, not the problem.”
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Concerns remain among some groups, while food companies continue to oppose the bill as well. Taylor Triffo, a lobbyist representing several grower groups, cautioned that while amendments moved “most of agriculture in the right position, there’s still a little bit more work to be done.”
She pointed Agri-Pulse to uncertainty around federal policy and international trade, saying any such label in California “carries weight” globally.
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