[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a significant 
milestone in the history of Kings County, California; the 90th 
anniversary of the Kings County Farm Bureau.
  My district is fortunate to be represented by three County Farm 
Bureaus. On April 24, 2008, one of those districts, Kings County Farm 
Bureau, will celebrate their 90th anniversary during their annual 
banquet in Hanford, California. It is appropriate at this time to 
recognize the crucial role that the Farm Bureau has played in Kings 
County and to underscore their many contributions, not only to 
agriculture in the region, but also to the greater communities of the 
county, State, and Nation.
  Unlike other parts of the country, agriculture continues to be one of 
the major economic engines in California, providing the country with 
California's finest farm products. Kings County, continues to set the 
pace for the rest of the State by remaining one of the State's largest 
agricultural producers. Farmland constitutes 84 percent of the County's 
total land acreage and this acreage supports approximately 350 
different crops; many of which are grown nowhere else in the Nation. 
These crops are generating over $1 billion annually to the economy of 
Kings County and are shipped throughout the United States as well as 
foreign markets.
  Kings County Farm Bureau has persevered in promoting and protecting 
the family farm, maintaining the treasured natural resources that are 
so important to California and this Nation's vitality and lifestyle. 
Through local determination and active participation in the legislative 
process, Kings 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 citizens.
  Kings County Farm Bureau has been recognized for its work in 
partnering with and promoting community service. With approximately 25 
percent of the workforce in Kings County either directly or indirectly 
related to the agricultural industry, Kings County Farm Bureau has been 
a leader in addressing local issues such as air quality, water supply, 
water quality, conservation, property rights and animal welfare in the 
local communities.
  More than ever today, the role of the Farm Bureaus must be preserved, 
honored and strengthened. As agriculture evolves, it is essential that 
our policies be based on current needs of this vital industry. As a 
farmer myself, I am proud that my family and I represent two 
generations of membership in Farm Bureau both in Kings County as well 
as Tulare and Fresno Counties. I commend Kings County Farm Bureau to my 
colleagues for its presence, dedication and professionalism in serving 
as the voice of agriculture in Kings County. Congratulations to the 
Kings County Farm Bureau on its historic 90th year serving Kings County 
agriculture.

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