Issue Position: Agriculture

Issue Position

Family farms are the backbone of our nation and are a major part of California's economy. In my district, farming makes up the largest portion of the economic sector. I am working to help family farmers thrive and to promote policies that benefit the unique needs of growers and ranchers in California and in our region.

Specialty Crops

For far too long, our nation's farm policies have been directed to support crops that are typically grown in places like the Midwest but not in California. We have some of the most productive specialty crop growers in our region, which is why I have worked to reform agriculture policy to benefit "specialty crop" growers like those in California who produce fruits, nuts, and vegetables.

The funding and other support I've obtained is helping family farmers in our area control pests that harm their productivity, and find new markets for their goods.

Losses Due to Federal Quarantines

I am working to help family farmers thrive and to promote policies that benefit the unique needs of growers and ranchers in California and in our region.
I have also heard from our farmers, and know that they have had their crops destroyed by federal quarantines.

That's why I introduced a bill to provide our farmers with the option to obtain insurance to help them survive losses due to federal quarantines.

Labor

Many of our farmers depend on seasonal labor to harvest their crops during the short but intense harvest seasons, and some farmers struggle to find sufficient labor at critical times.

This has caused crop loss as food "rots on the vine." This is one of the reasons I support comprehensive immigration reform.

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