California Ag Gets a Voice in D.C.

California Senator Adam Schiff is hitting the ground running as the first California Senator in over 30 years to serve on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. This week, he spent time in Butte County, meeting with local farmers and ranchers, touring an almond orchard, and stopping by Chico State’s University Farm.

During his visit with the Butte County Farm Bureau, Schiff emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to get a new Farm Bill passed, noting that California’s ag industry—despite being the nation’s largest—has lacked strong representation on the Ag Committee for decades. He voiced support for including California producers in relief funds when tariffs hit and said he’s ready to be a champion for the challenges facing agriculture, from water to global markets.

At Chico State, Schiff toured the student-run farm and spoke with political science majors, encouraging them to stay optimistic and engaged—even in a polarized political climate. He highlighted the vital role young leaders will play in shaping the future of agriculture and rural communities.