Today, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) toured two Kern County farms to learn about California’s agricultural economy. Her visits included tours of multiple facilities across both farms.

• Wonderful Company – Shafter, CA
  • Almond, pistachio, and citrus orchards
  • Wonderful Citrus Halos Parking Facility

• Grimmway Farms – Arvin, CA
  • Baby carrot processing plant

“Growing up on a farm during the 1980s farm crisis, I saw firsthand how the government’s failure to work in partnership with farmers weakened our nation’s economy,” said Rep. Porter. “Today, I was eager to see for myself how Kern County agriculture helps keep Americans fed and to learn more about how California farmers contribute tens of billions to our state’s economy.”

Congress must pass a new Farm Bill by September, when the previous Farm Bill expires. Today’s Kern County tours are a follow up to a meeting Rep. Porter had with Western Growers earlier this year as part of the group’s DC fly-in.

Growing up on a farm in rural America, Congresswoman Porter knows firsthand how good government policies are essential to a thriving agricultural economy. She has introduced legislation to increase competition in the meatpacking industry, cutting costs for farmers and consumers. Porter is also pushing to renew a critical program that monitors Californians’ water supply and develops strategies to address water shortages.

To download pictures and video from Rep. Porter’s farm visits, please click HERE.

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