IRVINE, CALIF. (Dec. 10, 2024) – In response to Rep. Jim Costa’s (CA-21) campaign for Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia issued the following statement:

“We urge Rep. Jim Costa’s colleagues to select him as Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee for the 119^th Congress. A third-generation San Joaquin Valley farmer, Rep. Costa has faithfully represented the interests of production agriculture and rural America for two decades.

“Rep. Costa has long been a champion of specialty crop producers as he has helped craft four Farm Bills. He has served as a conference negotiator, working across the aisle to find common ground and enact bipartisan, robust agriculture policy. Having served on the House Agriculture Committee since his first day in office, Rep. Costa has been chair and ranking member of numerous subcommittees, bringing the type of seasoned leadership required to get the next farm bill done.

“We are proud to support Rep. Costa as the lead Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee.”

About Western Growers:

Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. Connect and learn more about Western Growers on Twitter and Facebook.

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