STATEMENT OF CDFA SECRETARY KAWAMURA UPON HOUSE PASSAGE OF NEW FARM BILL

Sacramento— July 27, 2007 — The U.S. House of Representatives today approved The Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007, commonly called the Farm Bill, by a vote of 231 to 191.  CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura issued the following statement:

“I would like to thank Governor Schwarzenegger and the many state agencies whose work went into this new Farm Bill, and I also want to recognize the efforts of Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Dennis Cardoza in working toward consensus. This Farm Bill represents a significant investment not only in agriculture but also in nutrition, conservation, the environment and infrastructure. I am heartened by the inclusion in the new Farm Bill of over $1.6 billion for research and other initiatives that will benefit specialty crop growers, who make up the majority of our farmers and ranchers here in the Golden State.  Enhancements in renewable energy initiatives and nutrition programs also indicate our industry’s growing efforts to help the nation resolve major issues such as childhood obesity and energy dependency.  California farmers and ranchers will work with USDA to ensure that these initiatives are put to good use for the benefit of the millions of consumers who depend on agriculture every day.”