Congressman Sanford Bishop (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, joined Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) in the central coast of California to tour agriculture facilities, meet with producers and farmworkers, and learn more about the over 100 specialty crops grown in California’s 20th congressional district.
 
“As the representative of the Salad Bowl of the World, I believe it is critical to share with my colleagues the critical work of our growers, shippers, and farmworkers. I thank Ranking Member Bishop for coming to Central Coast to gain a deeper understanding of the uniqueness, diversity, and expansiveness of our agriculture industry,” said Congressman Panetta. “I look forward to working together to advocate for the resources and funding for programs that our producers, community organizations, and research entities need to thrive.”
 
"Regardless of dietary preferences or political affiliations, we all need to eat to survive, and I am honored to tour these vital agricultural sites with my friend, Congressman Jimmy Panetta," said Congressman Bishop. "California’s 20th and Georgia’s 2nd congressional districts are alike in that agriculture does not just live here, it thrives here. Going into the next Farm Bill and working to closeout FY18 appropriations, I see no better time to ensure we are responsibly resourcing industries, programs, and efforts that will keep U.S. agriculture flourishing and competitive on the worldwide stage."
 
Congressman Bishop serves on the House Appropriations Committee as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. In this role, Congressman Bishop serves as the subcommittee’s lead Democrat. The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture has funding jurisdiction over the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Farm Credit Administration, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
 
The three-day tour, which took place from August 23rd to 25th, included visits to berry, lettuce, and other specialty crop producers; a large-scale organic operation; a beginning farmer training association; and the USDA Agricultural Research Service lab in Salinas.