Home » Farm Hands on the Potomac: Fong takes McCarthy's seat

Farm Hands on the Potomac: Fong takes McCarthy's seat

06/05/24 6:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

Republican Rep. Vince Fong was sworn in Monday to fill the seat of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Fong won a special election in May to represent California’s 20th congressional district, including parts of Fresno, Tulare, Kern and Kings counties in the Central Valley. The district accounts for 9% of California’s annual agriculture sales and ranks 24th of all congressional districts in the value of agricultural products sold, according to 2022 Ag Census data published by the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Agri-Pulse Open Mic: Mike Joyner - Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association

This week's Open Mic guest is Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. At a time when more Americans are turning more health conscious by adding fruits and vegetables to their diets, many of the nation's specialty crop growers are struggling to survive. Joyner says the volume of imports from Mexico and other countries continues to grow, depressing opportunities for domestic growers. Specialty crop growers face ongoing challenges in finding an adequate workforce and support legislative efforts to revise the nation's H-2A regulations. Joyner says specialty crop growers need better crop insurance coverage options and hope future assistance programs are more equitable for fruit and vegetable farmers.

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Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: IFPA's Cathy Burns on ag labor and packaging regulations; Ag groups on Brazil

Several states are moving forward with Extended Producer Responsibility laws that shift the cost of recycling packaging from local governments to producers of consumer products. International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns explains the consequences of the policy. Plus, Troy Bredenkamp with the Renewable Fuels Association and Krista Swanson with the National Corn Growers Association outline how their sectors are being impacted by Brazil's ag production.

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