June 26, 2023 - WASHINGTON – Last week,  Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) led California Democrats in a letter to the Chairs of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees outlining the priorities for California agriculture in the 2023 Farm Bill.

California’s $51.1 billion agricultural industry plays a vital role in our national economy and the health of our citizens. In the letter, members outlined various recommendations to invest in and strengthen California’s agricultural industry. These priorities include the following: 

• Robust funding for SNAP and local nutrition programs, including schools and food banks.

• Increased funding for market development, crop insurance, and disaster assistance programs

• Substantial investments in research and conservation programs

• Enhanced forest management and wildfire mitigation 

• Improved technical assistance for farmers and farmworkers.

“Food insecurity is a serious problem in our nation and California is no exception.” said the members. “Any policy change on SNAP should reflect an improvement of SNAP benefit adequacy and reduce barriers that allow for access to the program.” 

Members added that “It is critically vital to our nation that specialty crop insurance is a top priority to keep a variety of crops for Americans to choose from at affordable prices. Additional disaster programs as well should remain for farmers and ranchers in times of need.”

“The 2023 Farm Bill must address wildfire mitigation and management, in addition to improving the health of our watersheds. Hazardous fuels reduction and managing our forests effectively continues to be a top priority for the California Delegation.” the members concluded. 

A copy of the letter can be viewed here. 

The letter was signed by the following California Democrats: Reps. Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Ami Bera (CA-06), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), Judy Chu (CA-28), J. Luis Correa (CA-46), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), John Garamendi (CA-08), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Josh Harder (CA-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mike Levin (CA-49), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Grace Napolitano (CA-31), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Scott Peters (CA-50), Katie Porter (CA-47), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Adam Schiff (CA-30), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Mark Takano CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Norma Torres (CA-35).
Source: Congressman Jim Costa