U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) was one of three Californians chosen to serve on the House Agriculture Committee in the 113th Congress, it was announced Wednesday.
The committee announced that Denham, John Garamendi (D-Fairfield), and Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) would become new members, joining Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno). Costa, a senior member of the committee, serves as the ranking member on its Rural Development, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee.
“As a Central Valley farmer, I understand the specialized needs of various sectors of our agriculture economy. A position on the House Agriculture Committee will allow me to bring the voice of California’s largest industry to the table when discussing federal policy and reform, including the impending Farm Bill,” said Denham. “I will also continue my work from my seat on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to make sure we continue to improve California’s infrastructure needs.”
The appointment of three additional Californians to the Agriculture Committee was welcomed news to the California Farm Bureau Federation.
“It is very good news for California farmers and ranchers that we now have greater representation on the Agriculture Committee,” California Farm Bureau President Paul Wenger said. “All four members understand the challenges California agriculture faces.”
In the previous Congress, California had three representatives among the 46 members of the Agriculture Committee. Wenger said he hopes the four Californians on the new committee will continue its longstanding tradition of working in a bipartisan manner.
“The House Agriculture Committee plays a vital role in creating policy that helps farmers and ranchers survive in a highly competitive world market,” Wenger said. “We look forward to working with the four California members in particular on initiatives that protect against invasive pests and diseases, encourage agricultural research and help farmers maintain their stewardship of the environment.”
