CFFA, Western Growers, and More Show Support for Representative Jim Costa for House Agriculture Committee Chair
CALIFORNIA - Several of those who know and operate within our industry are banding together to formally ask House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to appoint Representative Jim Costa as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. 70 organizations representing everything from farm and ag to water districts sent a letter to Pelosi to show support for the candidate.
Ian LeMay, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, described Costa as “a trusted voice and a stalwart advocate for both producers and consumers,” according to a press release, adding, “He understands the issues affecting production agriculture, nutrition, conservation, labor, and natural resources, and can create consensus for a better way forward.”
Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia was also among those to show support.
“Farmers are increasingly seen as critical partners in the implementation of environmental policies, yet much more needs to be done to provide them the resources needed to meet regulatory mandates and ensure farmers are true partners in environmental policy, and no one understands this as deeply as Jim,” Puglia commented.
In the letter the coalition sent to Pelosi, Costa is described to “possess the experience and leadership adeptness” to serve effectively as committee chair.
“Jim Costa has a broad and deep understanding of what’s needed to bring food and farm products to Americans’ homes,” said Jamie Johansson, President of the California Farm Bureau Federation, one of the organizations that signed the letter. “The people and businesses in his district encompass every aspect of the food system, giving him a unique perspective on what’s needed to assure continued supplies of safe, affordable, plentiful food and farm products.”
As we previously reported, Costa brings 16 years of experience representing an agriculturally productive congressional district in the San Joaquin Valley, plus long-time advocacy on behalf of federal nutrition programs, expansion of foreign markets for U.S. farm products, workforce issues and immigration reform, agricultural research, natural resources policy, and on-farm conservation programs.
Below is even further support and testimonial for Costa's suitability to the position.
Elaine Trevino, President, Almond Alliance of California
“As a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Costa has consistently shown his ability to work across the aisle while demonstrating a common-sense and pragmatic approach in dealing with a wide array of agricultural issues.”
Casey Creamer, President and CEO, California Citrus Mutual
“House Agriculture Committee needs a leader who understands agriculture’s importance not only for our farmers, but for underserved communities and national security. Congressman Jim Costa is that leader.”
Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO, UnitedAg
“It is vital to the future success of California agriculture to be represented by a member who can be a voice for our industry and help us work together on issues prevalent to our industry's future.”
To see the full letter the group sent to Speaker Pelosi, click here.
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