Congressman McNerney Announces Passage Of Legislation Essential To San Joaquin Valley Agriculture
Jan 29, 2014
Press Release
Washington D.C. – Today the House passed a comprehensive farm bill, H.R. 2642, with bipartisan support. The legislation provides funding and assistance essential to the San Joaquin Valley agriculture sector.
“I’m pleased that Congress was able to come to a compromise and pass a farm bill that will ensure agriculture in the Valley continues to thrive,” said Rep. McNerney. “Agriculture is a nearly $3 billion industry in San Joaquin County, and it is imperative that local farmers and growers have access to the resources they need.”
H.R. 2642 includes the following for Valley agriculture:
- Funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and the Specialty Crop Block Grants Program that encourage the development of efficiencies in specialty crop production
- Funding to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and diseases
- Funding for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help agriculture producers reduce Valley air pollution
- Renews agriculture disaster assistance programs that help producers during tough times, such as the current drought
“I’m committed to strengthening our local economy,” said Rep. McNerney. “Farmers and growers are vital to our region’s economic growth, and the farm bill helps to provide stability that is imperative to their continued success.”