McNerney Announces Creation of Agriculture Advisory Board

Press Release

MCNERNEY ANNOUNCES CREATION OF AGRICULTURE ADVISORY BOARD

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today announced the creation of his Agriculture Advisory Board, made up of community members with experience in the agricultural industry. The group is comprised of a variety of local producers and experts including growers, dairymen, and farm bureau representatives.

"Whether they're from the Central Valley or the Tri-Valley, I've heard from people all over who say we need to do more for California agriculture, and I couldn't agree more," McNerney said. "We have grape growers in Lodi, cattle ranchers in Linden, and almond producers in Manteca, and they all need to have input in federal programs, that's what I will be able to provide with the Agriculture Advisory Board."

On Tuesday, Congressman McNerney spent the day visiting with farmers and others in the industry to discuss the reauthorization of the Farm Bill and the needs of producers in northern California. He had lunch with a group of farmers in Stockton and visited with almond producers in Manteca, wine grape growers in Lodi, and an organic farmer in Brentwood.

The members of Congressman McNerney's Agriculture Advisory Board are:

Tim Koopman, Sunol Valley Rancher
Jeff Colombini, Lodi Farming Inc., Lodi, CA
Dennis Gogna, O.G. Packing, Stockton, CA
Kenny Watkins, 2nd Vice President, California Farm Bureau Federation
Frank Faria, Dairyman, Escalon, CA
Mike Robinson, Farmer/Feed Store Owner, San Joaquin Delta Islands
John Fugazi, Orchard Owner/Row Crops, Linden, CA
William "Bud" Bensley, Ag. Credit
David Phippen, Almond Grower, Manteca, CA
Tom Burlando, Diamond Walnut, Linden, CA
Bruce Fry, Mohr-Fry Ranches, Lodi, CA
Gina Hultquist, U.S. Ag Bank
Ricky Zolezzi, Peach and Cherry Grower, Linden, CA
Thomas J. Guido, Triple-E Produce, Stockton, CA

Rep. McNerney plans to meet with members of the Agriculture Advisory Board several times throughout the year. In addition, Rep. McNerney and his staff will call upon advisory board members on a more frequent and informal basis as issues and legislation arise in Congress.

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