On February 13, Rep. Josh Harder from California introduced a new bill called the American Consumer Awareness of National Source Act, or American CANS Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to help shoppers easily identify local products compared to imported ones. The bill requires labels that clearly show where canned goods come from, ensuring families can make informed choices about their food.
The Central Valley produces a significant amount of the nation’s food, contributing 25% of it. Stockton, in particular, was once home to one of the largest canneries in the United States. However, economic challenges and foreign competition led to the closure of several canning plants, including Seneca Foods in Modesto in 2018, which cost many jobs. Rep. Harder points out that it’s currently hard for shoppers to know if the canned goods they buy are locally sourced or imported.
“Families deserve to know if they’re buying peaches from down the road or from halfway around the world,” said Rep. Harder. This bill aims to provide the transparency that will help customers choose local products and support their community farmers.
Matt Strong, the President and CEO of Pacific Coast Producers, praised the bill, stating, “As a cooperative of over 150 family farmers, we appreciate Representative Harder’s commitment to USA-grown food. The American CANS Act will help educate consumers about where their food comes from, benefiting families, schools, and healthcare facilities.”
In 2023, farmers in the Valley produced impressive amounts of fruits and vegetables, including 25,300 tons of peaches and 912,000 tons of tomatoes. This generated over $176 million for the local economy and supported around 34,000 jobs. Rep. Harder emphasized that knowing the source of food is essential to keeping these jobs secure.
