Reps. Cardoza, Nunes, CDFA Secretary Kawamura to join Rep. Costa for Farm Bill Listening Session in Fresno

FRESNO, CA - On Friday, March 2, Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, will be joined by Congressmen Dennis Cardoza, D- Merced, and DevinNunes, R-Tulare, along with California Dept. of Food and Agriculture SecretaryA.G. Kawamura at a Listening Session in Fresnohosted by Costa on the Bush Administration's proposals for the 2007 Farm Bill.

The Listening Session will be held in the Fresno CityCouncil Chambers from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

"The 2007 Farm Bill will be one of the most important piecesof legislation to come out of the 110^th Congress," Costa said. "It is imperative that the Central Valleyagriculture industry make its view heard."

"Needless to say, the 2007 Farm Bill will have a majorimpact on our agriculture community and the broader economy in the Central Valley for many years to come," saidCardoza. "As we begin the process of writing this historic legislation, Ilook forward to hearing directly from Central Valleyfarmers and stakeholders."

"The Farm Bill is the single most important issue facingagriculture this year. Our nation's rural economy and the competitivenessof our farmers are at stake. I am looking forward to working with othermembers of the California delegation to makecertain California'sinterests are protected as we move forward with Farm Bill reauthorization,"said Nunes.

"Thisis the opportunity to create a 21st Century Farm Bill that is California friendly and reflects the diverseneeds of the state," said Kawamura. "I look forward to working with Rep.Costa and the entire California congressionaldelegation to bring about a US Farm Bill that recognizes the importance of Californiaagriculture."

The Listening Session will offer the opportunity for a frankand open discussion of a broad range of issues related to the 2007 Farm Bill.

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