$5 billion is at stake
Congressman Jimmy Panetta announced that he has been selected to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture’s Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research and Nutrition Subcommittees.
“It is an honor and privilege to be appointed to the House Agriculture Committee’s Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research Subcommittee as well as the Nutrition Subcommittee,” said Congressman Panetta. “From artichokes, strawberries, lettuce, and wine grapes to orchids and tulips, the Central Coast produces more than 100 types of crops which generate $5 billion annually for the economy and help give the area its designation of Salad Bowl of the World. I am honored to join these two subcommittees, which are critical for our Central Coast region.”
The Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research is responsible for policies, statutes, and markets relating to horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and ornamentals; bees; and organic agriculture; policies and statutes relating to marketing and promotion orders; pest and disease management; bioterrorism; adulteration and quarantine matters; research, education, and extension; and biotechnology. The Subcommittee on Nutrition is responsible for policies and statutes relating to nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and domestic commodity distribution and consumer initiatives.
“Growing up on the Central Coast, I know how vital modern agriculture technology and research is for our growers, shippers, and farmworkers. I look forward to overseeing and supporting the new USDA Agriculture Research Station in Salinas, which will help develop sustainable technologies, eradicate invasive pests, and fuel research to help our agriculture industry, and I look forward to advocating for improved nutrition standards and our organic agriculture production,” added Congressman Panetta.
