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Congressman Panetta Hosts Agriculture Research Caucus Co-Chair on Central Coast

February 22, 2018

SALINAS, CA – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) today welcomed co-founder and co-chair of his Agriculture Research Caucus, Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) to the central coast of California. The Congressmen met with specialty crop producers and entrepreneurs, discussed organic production, and toured research and production operations in California's 20th congressional district.

"We established the bipartisan Agriculture Research Caucus because we know that in order to best support the future success of the agriculture industry, we must make strategic investments in agriculture research and mechanization," said Congressman Panetta. "I thank Congressman Davis for coming to the Salad Bowl of the World to gain a deeper of understanding of the economic importance of our agriculture industry. I look forward to continuing to work together to advocate for agriculture research funding in the 2018 Farm Bill."

"It's often the geographical divides – not partisan divides – which make agricultural policy difficult, but when it comes to agricultural research the need for investment is the same across our country." said Congressman Davis. "During this visit I've learned a great deal about the issues facing Congressman Panetta's producers, and want to thank him for this opportunity. Our passion to see advancements in agricultural research will continue to guide us as we act to complete the upcoming farm bill."

Congressman Davis serves alongside Congressman Panetta on the House Agriculture Committee. Congressman Davis is the chair, or the lead Republican, of the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit and on the Subcommittee on Nutrition

The tour included a visit to the Western Growers Associated Center for Innovation & Technology, a local strawberry research center and production greenhouses, and meetings with organic producers.

Congressman Davis' visit to the Central Coast is the third in a series of tours Congressman Panetta has organized in California's 20th congressional district to educate his fellow Members of Congress on the Central Coast's agriculture industry. On August 10, 2017, Congressman Panetta hosted House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN-7) and Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA-16) in Salinas, CA for an agriculture roundtable session at Hartnell College. From August 23-25, 2017, Congressman Panetta hosted Congressman Sanford Bishop (D- GA-02), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.

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Panetta Davis Roundtable 1
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Panetta Davis Roundtable 3
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Panetta Organic Producers Meeting 1
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Panetta Davis Roundtable 4

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Panetta Davis Roundtable 5

Issues:Agriculture