Rep. Capps speaks at local Farm Supply
Congresswoman holds press conference on Farm Bill, drought assistance
Congresswoman Lois Capps called the 2014 Farm Bill a “big win” for Central Coast farmers and ranchers as well as the local economy.
On Monday afternoon, dozens of community members turned out to greet Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, during a press conference at the Paso Robles Farm Supply location. Capps highlighted key provisions in the recently enacted Farm Bill and how it may benefit Central Coast agriculture, including additional drought assistance.
“The 2014 Farm Bill is a big win for Central Coast agriculture. It includes strong support for programs our local farmers depend on, such as specialty crop grants, agriculture research, and pest management,” Capps said in a news release prior to the press conference. “Of course, the ongoing drought crisis is currently the most urgent problem facing our farmers and ranchers. There are numerous federal drought assistance programs available through USDA and I’m working to ensure everyone has the information they need and can access these resources. We will continue to work together at the local, state and federal levels to get through these difficult times.”
The 2014 Farm Bill was signed into law in early February. Capps supported the final bipartisan bill and called it a “big win” for Central Coast farmers and ranchers as well as the local economy.
“When Congress first began writing the bill, I held several listening sessions with farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders throughout the Central Coast,” Capps said. “Based on this input, I spearheaded efforts to support these local priorities in the final package.”
Rep. Lois Capps speaks with Jim Brabeck and other supporters prior to her press conference at the Paso Robles Farm Supply location.
Among other items, the 2014 Farm Bill includes funding for the following programs:
• Specialty Crop Block Grants
• Specialty Crop Research Initiative
• Pest Management
• Market Access Program
• Expanding and Protecting Organics
• Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program
In addition to Capps, speakers at Monday’s event included Gary Troester of the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and Jim Brabeck, President/CEO of Farm Supply Company. Dale Evenson, President of Cattleman’s Association, representatives from the San Luis Obispo Farm Bureau (SLOFB), Farm Credit Bank and Rabobank were also in attendance.
“As we learn more about the Farm Bill, we will do our best to get the word out,” Troester said.
Following the press conference, Rep. Capps led a press tour of the Morro Creek Ranch avocado farm in Morro Bay alongside Ranch Manager, Alan Cavaletto.
For more information on drought assistance, contact Gary Troester, USDA Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Manager at 65 South Main St. Ste 106 in Templeton, call (805) 434-0396 or (805) 928-9269 or via email at gary.troester@ca.usda.gov.
Dozens of community members and business representatives turned out to greet Rep. Lois Capps (CA-24) during a press conference at the Paso Robles Farm Supply location on Monday afternoon. Photos by Meagan Friberg.
Jim Brabeck, President/CEO of Farm Supply Company, addresses the crowd outside his Paso Robles business location as Gary Troester of the USDA Farm Service Agency gathers paperwork for attendees at the press conference on Monday.
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Representative Capps has proven herself to be a excellent representative for our District in Congress. I would like to thank you for your support for our local farmers.
Representative Capps has proven herself to be a excellent representative for our District in Congress. I would like to thank you for your support for our local farmers.