Kings County Times

Reps. David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) have introduced the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which allocates an additional $14 billion to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The funding is aimed at assisting agriculture producers affected by natural disasters in 2023.

“Natural disasters like drought and flooding have caused devastating losses for Central Valley producers over the last two years,” said Congressman Valadao. “These extreme weather events negatively affect the security of our nation’s food supply, prices for consumers, and jobs throughout our community. My legislation provides USDA with the funding necessary to assist farmers in California and across the country who have been impacted by natural disasters. Producers in the Central Valley have had a difficult and uncertain couple of years, and I’ll continue working to ensure they have the resources and support they need to grow the food that feeds the world.”

Rep. Panetta added, “Our farmers and ranchers have been getting hammered with severe weather, significant flooding, smoke damage, and steep prices, which have all led to serious setbacks this season. The bipartisan Agriculture Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act would allow the federal government to provide reasonable assistance as necessary for those in our agricultural industry to recover and continue moving forward. This bill is the least that Congress can do to ensure that the federal government plays its part to help those who help put food on our tables."

The bill has garnered support from Reps. John Duarte (R-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Darren Soto (D-FL), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Marc Molinaro (R-NY), Mike Thompson, and Josh Harder (D-CA).

The legislation is backed by several organizations including American Farm Bureau, California Farm Bureau, Western Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Milk Producers Council, California Dairies Inc., Napa Valley Vinters, California Tomato Growers Association, Almond Alliance, and Grower-Shipper Association of Central California.

Shannon Douglass from California Farm Bureau stated: “Californians have faced a unique and broad range of disasters across the state in recent years—including floods, droughts and wildfires... We are appreciative of the attention and leadership Rep. Valadao, Rep. Panetta and others have shown in addressing this shortfall by introducing this supplemental appropriations bill.”

Gregg Doud from National Milk Producers Federation commented: “California dairy farm families suffered last year from major storms... His bipartisan agricultural disaster supplemental funding package... will ensure that Central Valley dairy families finally recover what they lost well over a year ago.”

Dave Puglia from Western Growers emphasized: “This bipartisan bill ensures sufficient funding... Western Growers supports the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.”

Blake Vann from Almond Alliance noted: "Farmers across the nation... faced significant losses in 2023 due to floods,... This bill provides $14 billion in disaster relief..."

Kevin Abernathy from Milk Producers Council appreciated "the bipartisan support of well needed assistance due to substantial losses encountered due to climate variability."

Congressman Valadao has been active in seeking resources for producers impacted by atmospheric rivers and flooding in California since 2023.

In summary:

The Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act includes:

- $14 billion for USDA expenses related to 2023 disasters.

- A $1.5 billion allocation for livestock losses.

- Expanded assistance covering various agricultural needs including smoke-tainted wine grapes.

Read more details about this legislation through provided links.

###