Over 75 Organizations endorse Rep. Jim Costa for Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee

WASHINGTON – Over 75 national and California-based organizations have endorsed Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) to serve as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. These endorsements reflect broad support for Costa’s proven leadership and commitment to strengthening agricultural policy in the United States.

Among them include the African American Farmers of California, Almond Alliance, American Pistachio Growers, California Farm Bureau, California Farmworker Foundation, California Citrus Mutual, California Association of Food Banks, North American Blueberry Council, Family Farm Alliance, Milk Producers Council, and the Wine Institute. A copy of the endorsement letter is available HERE. 

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING?
“Rep. Costa has long been a champion of specialty crop producers as he has helped craft four Farm Bills. He has served as a conference negotiator, working across the aisle to find common ground and enact bipartisan, robust agriculture policy,”said David Puglia, Western Growers Association (WGA).“Having served on the House Agriculture Committee since his first day in office, Rep. Costa has been chair and ranking member of numerous subcommittees, bringing the type of seasoned leadership required to get the next farm bill done.”

“He understands the complex nature of the Nutrition Title, the need to protect SNAP to ensure continued access to healthy and nutritious foods – especially in rural communities – and that support for food banks through programs like TEFAP are now more important than ever,”said Natalie Caples, Co-CEO of the Central California Food Bank.

“Strong leadership is needed to ensure the completion of the Farm Bill. Congressman Costa has the knowledge, experience, and bipartisan approach to guide this process to a successful resolution. His ability to bring stakeholders together and advocate for balanced, practical solutions will be instrumental in addressing the diverse needs of the agricultural community and ensuring that the Farm Bill supports producers, rural economies, and vulnerable families alike.”said Rose Tryon VanCott, American Agri-Women.

“Representative Costa has stood up against unwise budget cuts for affordable housing and water-sewer programs and assembled bipartisan support for these programs. As an expert in rural development policy, he has led important initiatives to improve rural housing programs. He will make a great Ranking Member of the House Committee on Agriculture.”said Bob Rapoza, Rural Housing Coalition.

“Rep. Costa has been extremely proactive in pursuing thoughtful solutions to ensure federal agencies carry out their important responsibilities in a manner that is responsive to the needs of U.S. companies in the international wood products industry. We look forward to working closely with him to pursue policies that foster growth in the forestry sector,”said Ashley Amidon, International Wood Products Association (IWPA).

"Congressman Costa is a proven leader who brings with him deep expertise in agricultural policy and a bipartisan approach to solving complex challenges. His 4-H experience, advocacy, and commitment to our nation's agricultural research enterprise will be instrumental in helping advance critical priorities, such as food security, sustainable farming, and access to nutrition programs,"said Glenda Humiston, Vice President for the University of California - Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR).

“The Central Valley Community Foundation endorses Congressman Jim Costa to be Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. Our vision at CVCF is a Central Valley where there are no barriers and all people have opportunity, and Congressman Costa is a champion for that vision. Our region and the residents who live here benefit from his leadership on the House Ag Committee.”said the Central Valley Community Foundation (CVCF).

As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, Costa crafted three Farm Bills (2008, 2014, 2018), securing funding for new conservation programs, expanding markets, and elevating specialty crops by establishing Horticulture as its own Farm Bill title. Representing a district where over 28% of households rely on SNAP—the 6th highest rate in the nation—Costa has consistently fought to protect vital nutrition programs like SNAP and TEFAP during Farm Bill negotiations.

If elected as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Costa is committed to:

• Protect Nutrition Programs like SNAP and TEFAP to support families facing food insecurity. 
• Defend Conservation Investments from the Inflation Reduction Act, building on $7 billion for conservation, research, and disaster relief.
• Invest in Rural America by creating economic opportunities, improving housing, expanding broadband, and supporting HBCUs and HSIs.
• Ensure Fair Trade Policies that protect farmers and consumers from harmful tariffs and rising grocery costs.
• Strengthen the Agricultural Workforce by advancing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act and streamlining the H-2A visa program.

 See the full list of endorsing organizations HERE.