Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced he’s teaming up on the establishment of a congressional caucus focused on agriculture, a key industry in San Benito County.
According to a statement from the congressman’s office:
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) and Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) have joined together to establish the bipartisan Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus.
The Caucus is dedicated to topics related to agriculture research, innovation, and mechanization efforts. As co-chairs, Reps. Panetta and Davis hope to educate and engage with their fellow members of Congress on these issues. As Congress prepares for the 2018 Farm Bill, the Caucus will provide a platform for Reps. Panetta and Davis to elevate challenges facing agricultural producers across the country.
“As a representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, I believe it is of the utmost importance to equip our growers, shippers, and farmworkers with the most effective tools possible,” said Congressman Panetta. “Strategic investments in research for plant breeding, crop protections, and mechanization will support the future success of the agriculture industry while also helping to address major concerns relating to resource conservation and labor shortages. I look forward to working with Congressman Davis and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to further support our nation’s agriculture industry.”
“By investing in agricultural research today, we will ensure U.S. agriculture remains competitive globally and continues to lead the way in food and agriculture innovation,” said Congressman Davis. “I joined Congressman Panetta to create the Agriculture Research Caucus so members of Congress have a place to highlight the importance of agricultural research in their districts across the country and come together to make it a national priority. My district is home to several major universities that are at the forefront of agricultural research critical to our state and national economies. Additionally, the potential for public-private partnership between industry and academia allows us to expand our horizon and reach new goals. I look forward to joining my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make agriculture research a priority.”
