MEDIA ADVISORY: CONGRESSMAN COSTA WELCOMES SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE MIKE JOHANNS TO FRESNO

Fresno, CA - On Friday, August 12, 2005, Congressman JimCosta will welcome U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns to Fresno to hear from Valleyproducers about the status of the 2007 Farm Bill.

"We are pleased to have the Secretary here for several hoursto hear about the concerns and challenges that face California agriculture," said Costa. "In the Central Valley, we have a diversity ofagriculture and experience in challenging world markets unlike anywhere else inthe nation. It is important we state our concerns clearly and makecertain the Secretary understands the significance of our role in agproduction," Costa stated.

"I also plan to convey to Secretary Johanns my closepersonal and working relationship with other area legislators. When itcomes to speaking up for Valley agricultural interests, Congressmen Radanovich,Cardoza and Nunes and I have developed a bipartisan approach in order to createthe strongest advocacy we possible can for Valley agriculture," Costaconcluded.

Costa will be available for remarks at 4:00pm.

MEDIA ADVISORY:

What: Comments from Congressman Costa regarding SecretaryJohanns' visit to Fresno

When: Friday, August 12, 2005 at 4pm

Where: Fresno County Fairgrounds, JuniorExhibits Building,Ventura andChance Avenues

Contact: Kherstin Khan 559-495-1620