House Ag Committee Hosts First Farm Bill Hearing

At the first official House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill hearing held in Tulare, California as part of the world Ag Expo event, California Farm Bureau President and first-generation farmer Jamie Johansson testified, saying that much needs to be done to help family farmers and ranchers have the necessary tools to provide safe, nutritious and affordable food for both consumers and nations abroad.

“This farm bill should prioritize development of new crop insurance tools for uncovered producers as well as improvements to existing tools and a practical affordable way. Regardless of commodity and farm size. In California, less than a quarter of our 400 commodities are covered by existing crop insurance programs. In order to recover from significant losses. Our producers have often had to rely on significantly delayed ad hoc federal funding in the case of emergency relief programs. Many producers in California have waited nearly three years to see any form of support it should go without saying that many family businesses simply cannot afford

to wait so long.”

He also spoke to the forestry title of the Farm Bill.

“We urge the committee to consider a robust forestry title and the upcoming Farm Bill. The US Forest Service recently announced that there are over 38 million dead trees in California alone, to keep our forests healthy and mitigate wildfire risk to communities and natural resources.”

And among other points Johansson also asked that the farm bill address staff shortages at Farm Service Agency offices.