NEWS: Costa, Schiff Lead Push to Stop Closure of California USDA Offices

WASHINTGON - Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) co-led California members of the California Congressional Delegation in calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reverse their disastrous plan to close nine USDA offices in California, including Bakersfield and Madera. 
 
In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Acting Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) Stephen Ehikian, the lawmakers urged a reversal of the plan, stressing that office closures in Bakersfield, Blythe, Los Angeles, Madera, Mt. Shasta, Oxnard, Salinas, Woodland, and Yreka will place an additional burden on farmers already navigating market uncertainty from rapidly changing tariffs and other cuts to USDA staffing and funding. Their letter also highlights the downstream impact these closures will have on economies in rural communities across California, which rely on USDA for services ranging from small business loans to wildfire management. 
 
“California is the nation’s largest agricultural state. In 2023 alone, California's farms received $59.4 billion in cash receipts for their output. Closure of these offices would severely hamper USDA’s ability to support farmers imperative to California’s agricultural success.” the lawmakers wrote. 
 
“These terminations come at a time when farmers are already navigating an uncertain agricultural economy due to USDA funding freezes and cancellations as well as the impact of tariffs. USDA field offices play a vital role in providing services to agricultural communities across the state, providing loans, grants, and technical assistance. These offices provide farmers with a place to meet face-to-face with USDA staff to discuss services and programs they rely on. Closing these vital centers will make it more difficult for farmers to access the essential resources farmers must be able to rely on," the lawmakers continued.   
 
The letter was led by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Adam Gray (CA-13). The letter was also signed by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). 
 
Read the full text of the letter HERE.