05/15/2008 GAAS:255:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Governor Schwarzenegger Commends Congress on Passage of 2008 Farm Bill
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after the 2008 Farm Bill conference report, H.R. 2419, was approved with an overwhelming majority by Congress:
"I congratulate both houses of Congress for passing this tremendously important legislation and I urge President Bush to sign it into law. This is a historic opportunity to promote California's priorities and the nation's.
"Enhancing the health of our communities and our environment and providing our nation with a safe, dependable and affordable food supply is an achievable goal proven by this legislation. Providing the funds for nutrition programs in our schools, agricultural research dollars in our universities, much needed renewable energy opportunities and improving our land, air and water quality are all important components of this bill.
"I support improving the environment and protecting working farms and natural habitats by increasing spending for some of the most popular conservation programs among California's farmers and ranchers. California will greatly benefit from the creation of new opportunities for rural communities throughout the state and the key tools this bill will provide to address our energy needs from sustainable sources.
"I also commend Congress for including strong support in this farm bill for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program-a program California has successfully used for producers to maintain and enhance their competitiveness in the market, and allows greater access to healthy food.
"I am especially pleased that Congress included $170 million for the lost wages currently being experienced by the Pacific coast salmon fishing industry. This comes as a huge relief to those who rely on salmon season for their livelihood.
"The size and diversity of California's agriculture reflects the state of our nation's agriculture and a farm bill that benefits California is also one that benefits the nation."
