Rep. Valadao Hosts Agriculture Roundtable

Press Release

Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) hosted a small, yet diverse group of agricultural leaders at the Kings County Farm Bureau for an industry roundtable. At the meeting, Rep. Valadao provided legislative update and gathered input on numerous issues impacting agriculture in the Central Valley.

After a legislative update from Rep. Valadao who sits on the Agricultural Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, Valadao listened as the group discussed critical issues affecting local farmers. Key topics of the discussion included increasing specialty crop insurance, mandatory E-Verify, and the Clean Water Act as well as the recent rejected proposal by the State Water Resources Control Board.

"As the House Appropriations Committee begins to distribute resources for agricultural programs, hearing directly from farmers and other individuals with diverse agricultural backgrounds is the best way to ensure what we're doing in Washington is good for all my constituents," Congressman Valadao said.

Eric Borba, who farms in Porterville, feels water is the most important topic discussed. He said, "Friant cannot survive 2 years in a row with zero water. There are already 900 homes in Tulare County without water. Something has to get done."

Rep. Valadao commented, "We're seeing regulations from the federal government hurt farmers which, in turn, has negative consequences for our entire community here in the Central Valley. Its time we get eliminate some of the bureaucratic red tape and make sure our farmers can do what they do best."

Participants included Dino Giacomazzi, President, Kings County Farm Bureau; Joey Airosa, President, Tulare County Farm Bureau; Ryan Jacobsen, Executive Director, Fresno County Farm Bureau; Bea Sander, Executive Director, Kern County Farm Bureau; Tony Azevedo, Westlands Grower; Eric Borba, Porterville Irrigation District, Friant Water Authority Board; and Ian LeMay, California Fresh Fruit Association.

"Meetings like this are a great way to discuss issues that are currently impacting California Agriculture with our local Congressman," said Ian LeMay from the California Fresh Fruit Association. "We look to Congressman Valadao as one of the leaders in Washington for California Agriculture, we appreciate his passion for the industry and for taking the time to meet with us."

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