Jimmy Panetta

The number one issue, I believe, is labor, and we are hearing that not just on the Central Coast, but in the center of America all the way to the East Coast.

Do you believe that USDA needs $25 million of taxpayer money for a relocation that has already happened?

Outstanding. Now, obviously I wanted to show our appreciation in regards to the announcement yesterday by NIFA in regards to the 32 grants totaling $14.3 million--excuse me, 30 grants totaling $24.

We rely on people to come to this country, because no domestic workers will do that to harvest our crops.

We are turning to mechanization, not to replace labor, but to replace the lack of labor.

Now, obviously, and I know you have talked about deferred maintenance, and in Los Padres, our deferred maintenance exceeds $24 million.

Obviously staffing is a big issue, and you know that.

We need to think about the adverse impacts on agriculture, along with the unique role that agriculture can play when it comes to addressing climate change.

I am from the Central Coast of California, 20th congressional district, otherwise known, as many people will tell you that I often say, the salad bowl of the world.

Thank you for your testimony and for your participation in this very important hearing.

Yes, I do believe that we need immigration reform.

Obviously, immigration is very important. Sustainability is very important. Infrastructure is very important as well.

This flexibility is absolutely critical for SNAP participants in my district, where the average price of a one-bedroom apartment in Monterey County is $1,800.

Obviously, everybody in this room would agree that agriculture and people in agriculture are uniquely positioned to contribute to the mitigation efforts when it comes to climate change.

However, because Brise has spoken up, has spoken out, and continues to speak for our organic industry and our organic farmers, her voice is heard across this country.

It is a real pleasure to introduce one of my good friends and a staunch--and we are so fortunate to have her--advocate, Ms. Brise Tencer, the Executive Director of the Organic Farming Research Foundation.

I am going to continue to work on this issue so we can deal with the traceability and so that obviously with safety being the most important thing.

Clearly it affects not just the consumers. It affects the growers and everybody else who works in that chain.

I appreciate this opportunity to question this witness, who I also want to thank for not only being here, but obviously, your preparation in order to be here.

I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: At the end of section 2, add the following new paragraph: (9) American leadership encouraged widespread…

As an original author of the Blue Card Bill, it provides basically a way for those employees who have worked in ag and who will continue to work in ag to get legal, permanent residence.

The policy needs to be driven by empirical evidence.

This proposed rule does just that. It reduces benefits by singling out a group that USDA assumes is less deserving.

We can't just use that to tell us everything that we need to know about a recipient of SNAP benefits.

We support Congressman Panetta's legislation to align USDA farmworker housing programs with the low-income housing tax credit amongst other important reforms.