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Rep. Costa To Host 2012 Farm Bill Hearing In Fresno

April 29, 2010

Agriculture Committee to hear from CA farmers, ranchers and industry leaders


WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) today announced that the House Agriculture Committee will hold a field hearing in Fresno to discuss U.S. agriculture policy in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill. The hearing will take place on May 3rd at the Fresno City Hall Council Chambers.

"Hearing directly from our state's farmers and ranchers is critical to crafting the best possible Farm Bill," said Costa. "The San Joaquin Valley is home to some of the top producers in our country and should play an instrumental role in shaping our agriculture policy. I look forward to hosting the Committee and showing my colleagues firsthand just how important California agriculture is to our nation's economy."

The hearing is one of several field hearings the Agriculture Committee is hosting around the country, and is part of an ongoing effort to hear from farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders as the committee prepares to draft the next comprehensive Farm Bill, the set of laws, regulations and programs which provide the overall framework for the system of U.S. agriculture.

"I am pleased that we will hear from farmers and ranchers in California as we prepare to write the next Farm Bill," said Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. "Learning how the current Farm Bill is working on the ground for producers will help us make needed improvements and consider new ideas and new ways to provide an effective safety net for agriculture and rural America."

The hearing will consist of two panels that feature an array of witnesses representing the many agriculture interests in the state. The Committee will also provide the opportunity for local farmers and ranchers to submit comments in writing to ensure that interested individuals have the opportunity to be heard and influence the development of the next farm bill. Details for written submission will be distributed after the hearing.

The hearing is open to the public. Live video of the hearing will be available on the House Agriculture Committee website (https://agriculture.house.gov/hearings/audio.html) for those who can't attend in person. Information regarding media availability will be made available in advance.

More Information

WHO: Chairman Collin Peterson, Congressmen Costa and Cardoza, and other Members of the House Agriculture Committee
WHAT: Field Hearing to Review U.S. Agriculture Policy in Advance of the 2012 Farm Bill
WHEN: Monday, May 3rd, 9:00 a.m. PDT
WHERE: Fresno City Hall Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 2600 Fresno St., Fresno, CA