The Nisei Farmers League is calling for the ag industry to join truckers in a planned Oct. 1 strike.

In a recent letter to its members, League President Manuel Cuhna, Jr. addressed growing concerns over the impact of high diesel prices, which are reaching $8 per gallon in parts of California.

“Agriculture and transportation are inseparably connected. Farmers depend on trucks to move crops, livestock, equipment and supplies, while truckers depend on a strong agricultural economy to keep goods moving throughout the state and across the country,” Cunha wrote. “Given the challenges facing both industries, Oct. 1 could serve as an opportunity to draw attention to the growing cost of producing and transporting food through a coordinated ‘No Movement of Goods Day.’”

Cunha added that California growers already operate in one of most challenging regulatory environments in the nation. Meanwhile, imported goods like citrus and wine cause further pressure to domestic producers. He adds that fuel costs compound these issues.

“State leaders must recognize the consequences of policies that reduce California’s refining capacity and increase the state’s dependence on imported fuel. Agriculture and transportation cannot continue absorbing escalating costs indefinitely,” Cunha continued. “The people responsible for producing and delivering America’s food deserve policies that strengthen domestic production, maintain a reliable fuel supply and allow California businesses to remain competitive.”