Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) expressed her relief that the Farm Bill will move to conference, an important next step in passing a final Farm Bill that supports farmers and growers in Ventura County and keeps food prices affordable for families.

“Today, I am very pleased an important piece of legislation has taken an important step forward,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “A strong agriculture industry contributes greatly to Ventura County’s diverse economy.  As this bill moves through the legislative process, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure support for our local farmers and growers, as well as the more than 68,000 Ventura County residents who rely on SNAP funding to keep from going hungry.”

“The Farm Bill provides funding for a host of programs that are important to our farmers and ranchers, and it is encouraging to see it making progress,” said John Krist, Chief Executive Officer of the Farm Bureau of Ventura County. “The Farm Bill supports producers of fresh fruits and vegetables with valuable marketing and research assistance. It provides incentives for SNAP participants to purchase nutritious produce, which bolsters demand for Ventura County products while improving the health of the disadvantaged. And it provides critical aid in the fight against invasive pests and diseases such as the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing, which threaten our agricultural economy.”

In addition to commodity and crop insurance programs, the Farm Bill contains funding for specialty crop research, plant protection and pest prevention programs, organic farmers, fresh fruits and vegetables in school meals, programs to help small farmers export their produce to new markets, conservation initiatives to promote sustainable production, natural disaster assistance, and the vital Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which feeds hungry families.

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