Congressman Cardoza Chairs Committee on Upcoming Farm Bill

Press Release

Congressman Cardoza conducted a hearing today on implementation of agriculture support programs established in the current 2008 Farm Bill. Congressman Cardoza chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. The hearing was part of Congressional work to receive input for the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill.

Farm bills, written every five years, establish and amend federal farm, conservation, energy, trade, marketing, research, nutrition and rural development programs. The most recent farm bill, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 was signed into law in 2008. It made an unprecedented $1.7 billion investment in specialty crops -- such as those grown in California -- through research, marketing and federal food purchase programs. Many of the provisions in the bill will expire in September 2012.

At today's hearing, seven witnesses representing a host of interests -- ranging from production to packing -- provided testimony at the two-hour hearing in Washington, DC. For a complete list of today's witnesses, please click here.

"I am once again reminded of the extraordinary diversity of products and practices represented by the specialty and organic sectors of our nation's agriculture industry," said Congressman Cardoza. "It is imperative we work together to promote these products while also addressing health and nutrition issues in this country by increasing accessibility to healthy fruits and vegetables. Based on what I have heard today, it is clear we have work to do but are on the right track."

Today's hearing comes on the heels of the first round of field hearings conducted by the full House Agriculture Committee on the 2012 Farm Bill. The Committee convened a hearing on May 3, 2010 in Fresno, CA. To read more, please click here. To provide testimony for the 2012 Farm Bill, please click here.

"The Farm Bill is critical for our nation's farmers and agriculture producers. As we continue to review support programs established under the 2008 Farm Bill, I encourage the public to remain engaged in this process. Our farmers play a critical role in feeding our country and supporting our economy. It is imperative Congress does all it can to support them."

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