FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2006
Committee Hears From California Producers
Agriculture Producers Provide Feedback On Current Farm Policy
STOCKTON, C.A. – House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Ranking Minority Member Collin Peterson today convened a field hearing in Stockton, California to review the 2002 Farm Bill. This is the third in a series of hearings the Committee will conduct around the country. Eleven members of the Committee attended today’s hearing and heard from two panels of witnesses about a variety of farm policy issues including specialty crops, commodity programs, export markets, planting prohibition, and crop insurance.
“Farm policy is especially important here in California. With 77,000 farms and ranches across the state, California is the nation’s largest producer of agricultural products and the fifth largest supplier of food and agricultural commodities in the world. Additionally, California produces a large number of specialty crops including almonds, olives, asparagus, walnuts and artichokes to name a few. Today, we will hear from a variety of producers who represent the state’s diverse agriculture sector, from row crops to specialty crops,” said Chairman Goodlatte in his opening statement.
The hearing was hosted by Members of the California delegation including Richard Pombo, Dennis Cardoza, and Jim Costa at the Stockton Arena.
“It’s clear all of the witnesses here today support increased access to foreign markets and the EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentive Program) program. Enhancements made to EQIP can help improve air and water quality and help farmers and ranchers provide not only safe and affordable food but a safe and healthy environment,” said Rep. Pombo. “Also, there is a distinct need for additional research into new technologies and markets where products can be sold. We must ensure American family farmers have the tools they need to produce domestically and around the world.”
At least 130 members of the community attended the hearing including local producers, agribusiness leaders, and California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura along with other agriculture officials. Committee Members included: Chairman Goodlatte, R-VA, Richard Pombo, R-CA, Frank Lucas, R-OK, Jerry Moran, R-KS, Steve King, R-IA, Randy Neugebauer, R-TX, John “Joe” Schwarz, R-MI, Ranking Minority Member Peterson, D-MN, Dennis Cardoza, D-CA, John Salazar, D-CO, and Lincoln Davis, D-TN.
"It is good to be out in the countryside talking with producers. Today's hearing presented another excellent opportunity for us to learn about agricultural opportunities and problems that exist outside of our own districts. The farm bill incorporates all of agriculture, so it is important that we have a good understanding of all of the pieces so we can write a farm bill that truly meets the needs of our producers. Due to its size and diversity, California agriculture is a great case for the Committee to examine, and the witnesses provided valuable input regarding their experiences as producers," said Ranking Minority Member Collin Peterson.
“I am pleased that the Agriculture Committee came to the Central Valley today to hear directly from our growers about the unique challenges California growers face looking to the future. We heard a lot of common themes today, about expanding funding and access for EQIP, opening markets for our products and providing more support for research,” said Rep. Cardoza. “I look forward to working with the Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Peterson and my colleagues on the Committee to crafting a balanced farm bill in 2007 that addresses the needs of all of agriculture.”
The first panel favored extending the current farm bill while several members of the second panel advocated examining methods other than commodity programs to support the agriculture sector. The Committee will conduct hearings in various regions of the country to gather feedback from producers representing all areas of agricultural production in the country. The Committee will convene another hearing in Nebraska City, Nebraska tomorrow morning at 9 a.m., CST.
To receive up-to-date schedule and news information from the Committee throughout the farm bill hearing process, please visit our website to sign up for email updates: http://agriculture.house.gov/Eupdates/updates.html.
WITNESS LIST
Panel I
Mr. Philip LoBue, Citrus Producer, Lindsay, CA
Mr. Bob Ferguson, Asparagus and Alfalfa Producer, Stockton, CA
Mr. Vito Chiesa, Peach, Almond, and Walnut Producer, Hughson, CA
Mr. Bruce Fry, Winegrape Producer, California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
Mr. Al Montna, Rice Producer, Yuba City, CA
Mr. John E. Pucheu, Jr., Cotton, Tomato, Sugarbeet, and Onion Producer, Tranquillity, CA
Panel II
Mr. Jack Hamm, Dairy Producer and General Manager, Lima Ranch, Lodi, CA
Mr. Robert Shipley, Poultry Producer and Vice Chairman, California Poultry Federation, Modesto, CA
Mr. Bruce Hafenfeld, Cattle Producer and First Vice President, California Cattlemen’s Association, Weldon, CA
Mr. Bill Tracy, Cattle, Cotton, Alfalfa, Grain, Almond, Pistachio, and Carrot Producer, Buttonwillow, CA
Mrs. Tonya Antle, Fruit and Vegetable Producer and Vice President of Organic Sales, Earthbound Farm, Salinas, CA, on behalf of United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association
Mr. Earl Perez, Tomato, Broccoli, Bean, Melon, Cotton, Alfalfa, Almond, and Apricot Producer, Crows Landing, CA
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