GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER REMINDS U.S. SENATE OF CALIFORNIA FARM BILL PRIORITIES

Governor thanks Senator Harkin and Senator Chambliss for crafting a farm bill that benefits all Americans

SACRAMENTO, Wednesday, November 7, 2007 - In a letter to Chairman Tom Harkin and Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss of the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Governor Schwarzenegger outlined five priorities for California and the nation as farm bill legislation is considered on the Senate floor. Among the priorities listed by Governor Schwarzenegger were specialty crop provisions, nutritional funding and outreach, environmental conservation, protection against invasive species and investment in renewable energy.

“Governor Schwarzenegger understands the significance a farm bill has on California and the nation,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura, “I applaud his leadership and dedication on the issues important to our nation – protecting our environment, encouraging healthy eating and investing in our renewable energy future.”

A copy of Governor Schwarzenegger’s letter to Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Chambliss is available at www.cdfa.ca.gov. Additional farm bill information, testimony, and California’s 2007 farm bill recommendations are also posted to the site.

The current farm bill, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, will expire this year, necessitating action by Congress. Covering such issues as energy, nutrition, conservation, rural development, specialty crops and research - the farm bill is an omnibus multi-year legislation for major food and farm programs. Domestic assistance programs (food stamps) and farm credit are a few of the funding areas provided under this legislation.