Rep. Costa Commends Appointment of Californians to Key Posts at USDA

WASHINGTON,D.C. –Following a number of United States Department of Agriculture's announcementsthat Valley people will be serving in critical positions within the agency,Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) made the following statement.

"Today'sannouncement of several Californians being appointed to advisory positions atthe U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that the Secretary of Agriculturerecognizes the important role California plays in U.S. agriculture. Ihave worked with many of the new appointees for years, some for decades, and Iam confident their expertise in California agriculture will be a tremendousbenefit for our Valley, state and nation's farm economy.

"SecretaryTom Vilsack made a wise choice in selecting Karen Ross of California as hischief of staff. Karen has been in the agriculture business for 30 yearsas a farmer. She has worked nationally to improve rural economies bypromoting on-farm processing, rural electric cooperatives, and she has promotedagri-tourism. Karen has seen all sides of agriculture and will be a majorasset to Secretary Vilsack, USDA, and farmers across our nation.

"Ialso applaud Secretary Vilsack for appointing Valley dairyman Ray Souza to thenewly-established Dairy Advisory Committee. Ray is one of our Valley'sbest and most respected dairy producers, and has always been a strong advocateon behalf of Valley agriculture. His knowledge of California's dairyindustry will be important to the Secretary on the new Dairy AdvisoryCommittee.

"Finally,Secretary Vilsack named 8 California agricultural leaders to serve on the Fruitand Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee, several of which are from the SanJoaquin Valley. Bill Smittcamp of Wawona Frozen Foods, Vaughn Koligian ofSun-Maid Growers, Lisa McNeece of Grimmway Enterprises, and Dianne Nury ofVie-Del Company will undoubtedly do an excellent job representing Valleyagriculture and advising Secretary Vilsack on issues affecting the fruit andvegetable industry."