[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 2, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E913-E914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN CELEBRATION OF FRESNO COUNTY FARM BUREAU'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 1, 2007

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor California's Fresno 
County Farm Bureau.
  Agriculture continues to be California's number one industry with 
Fresno County leading the way as the most productive agricultural 
county in California. The fertile soils of Fresno County support over 
350 different crops, valued at nearly $5 billion annually to the 
California economy. These crops, many of which

[[Page E914]]

are grown nowhere else commercially in the nation, are shipped 
throughout the United States as well as foreign markets. Good farmers, 
favorable weather conditions and water supplies are major factors 
contributing to California's bountiful crops, but the role of the 
Fresno County Farm Bureau in Fresno County's agricultural success 
cannot be understated.
  Fresno County Farm Bureau will celebrate their 90th anniversary 
during their annual banquet held on May 3, 2007. It is appropriate at 
this time to highlight its many achievements and to underscore the 
crucial role that Farm Bureau has had in supporting and advocating on 
behalf of agriculture in Fresno County.
  The Farm Bureau is the largest organization of farmers, ranchers, 
business people and citizens in the United States and it continues to 
grow in size and stature. In California, the Farm Bureau was formed in 
1919. Today, there are nearly 92,000 members in 56 counties and 
nationwide with over 6.2 million enjoying membership.
  Two years prior to the formal establishment of the Farm Bureau in 
California, a group of Fresno area farmers met with the first Extension 
Service farm advisor assigned to Fresno County to lay the groundwork 
for a county Farm Bureau organization. The vision was to provide a bona 
fide farm organization which could disseminate information and promote 
better farming practices.
  Ninety years later, the Fresno County Farm Bureau is the largest farm 
bureau in the state of California, participating in nearly every facet 
of farming life. The Fresno Farm Bureau, through its voluntary, elected 
leaders and professional staff, is dedicated to promoting and 
protecting the family farm and to maintaining the treasured natural 
resources that are so important to California and this nation's 
vitality and lifestyle. The Fresno Farm Bureau has committed to the 
protection of public health, safety and welfare. Both are accomplished 
by local determination and active participation in the legislative 
process. In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Fresno County Farm 
Bureau is helping local agricultural producers maintain a viable system 
of production and delivery of abundant, safe supplies of wholesome food 
and fiber to our local, national and export consumers.
  I commend Fresno County Farm Bureau for the presence, dedication, 
knowledge, professionalism and hard work on behalf of our farmers in 
California. Our nation's residents as well as citizens of other nations 
are the beneficiaries of this amazing supply of agricultural products. 
Farmers, Fresno County, California and our nation can be proud of 
Fresno County Farm Bureau's 90 years of service.

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