Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – During the Congressional August recess, Congressman Dennis Cardoza hosted U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for an agricultural forum in Modesto, where the Secretary heard from area farmers on several issues of concern. 

“I could not have been more pleased to be joined by the nation’s top agriculture official,” said Congressman Cardoza, who also chairs the House Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture. “This was a tremendous opportunity to discuss with farmers the many challenges California agriculture face, such as the water crisis, the decline in dairy prices and issues that are specific to the needs of specialty crops.”

Approximately 600 people attended the forum with Congressman Cardoza and Secretary Vilsack on August 26 at the Stanislaus County Agriculture Center. During the meeting, Secretary Vilsack took numerous questions and discussed the USDA’s efforts to promote a sustainable, safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply while working toward revitalizing rural communities by expanding economic opportunities.‪

Congressman Cardoza has been sharing the many difficulties of agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley with Secretary Vilsack since he was appointed to his post by President Obama earlier this year. The San Joaquin Valley has been hard hit by the water supply crisis, falling dairy prices, labor shortages and environmental regulations.

In recent months, and with Congressman Cardoza’s support, the USDA has activated various incentive programs to help offset profit losses to dairy operators. The USDA has also purchased excess dairy products, lessening the economic impact to dairy operators.

Additionally, as a result of Congressman Cardoza’s efforts in Farm Bill negotiations, the USDA has recently provided millions of dollars in grants for agricultural related loans, conservation and nutrition programs.

“As we all know, agriculture is the backbone of our Valley’s economy,” said Congressman Cardoza. “We have much more work to do. However, I am grateful for the Secretary’s time and interest to visit us and learn of our unique challenges.”

Said Secretary Vilsack, “I’ve been listening to and learning from producers from coast to coast, and I continue to hear about how farmers and ranchers are struggling during these economically challenging times. That’s exactly why USDA is taking unprecedented steps within our administrative flexibility to ensure producers remain viable contributors to our nation and world’s food supply.”