California Farm Bureau endorses Costa for Congress

» September 6, 2012 «

Commending his longstanding representation of California farmers and ranchers, the California Farm Bureau Federation has endorsed Jim Costa for re-election to the U.S. Congress in the 16th District, representing portions of Fresno, Madera and Merced counties.

Costa, D-Fresno, whose family has farmed in the Central Valley for more than 110 years, currently serves on both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee.

"Jim Costa has advocated forcefully and effectively on behalf of Central Valley farmers during his time in Congress, and in the state Legislature before that," CFBF President Paul Wenger said. "He recognizes that the economy and environment of his district both depend on the success of farms and ranches—and that the success of the valley's farms and ranches depends on water."

Wenger noted that Costa has been a consistent voice in Congress for enhancing water supplies and reforming environmental regulations that restrict water deliveries. He said Costa has also pushed for other changes that would benefit family farmers and ranchers.

"As a third-generation member of a farming family, Jim knows the impact the federal estate tax can have on farmers' ability to pass their farms or ranches from one generation to the next," Wenger said. "He supports estate tax reform to reduce the burden on farm families. He has also worked to cut the regulatory burden on farmers and ranchers by advocating for cost-share programs that help farmers install systems to protect air quality and save water."   

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of more than 74,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

Contact:
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

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