SECRETARY KAWAMURA APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF THE 2007 FARM BILL

U.S. Senate passes 2007 farm bill by a vote of 79 -14, demonstrating strong support

SACRAMENTO, December 14, 2007- California Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura made the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s passage of the 2007 Farm Bill:

“After many months of sustained debate, a 2007 Farm Bill has been crafted and passed by the U.S. Senate. I applaud the leadership by our senate leaders who have brought together agricultural and rural community leaders as well as the nutrition, environmental and energy groups who have worked ceaselessly to guarantee Senate passage of the 2007 Farm Bill. The farm bill recognizes the diversity of California production and special environmental needs.

California farmers and ranchers require robust programs to assist them in marketing healthy, abundant and diverse foods on a global basis and in meeting increased domestic environmental standards. The Senate bill supports these objectives while also protecting working farms and ranches, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring clean air and water in our communities.

The Senate’s focus on air quality within this legislation will also ensure that farmers can obtain federal assistance to help reduce air quality impacts within California and the nation that protects our environment and reduce green house emissions.

The 2007 Farm Bill is an investment within our nation’s food, fiber and fuel future. I am pleased by the Senate’s progress on this vital legislation and look forward to congressional finalization of the bill.”

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