[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE CALIFORNIA FARM WATER COALITION

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
along with my colleague Mr. Valadao to recognize the 25th anniversary 
of the California Farm Water Coalition. The Coalition's contributions 
to California's agricultural industry deserve to be commended.
  Since 1989, the California Farm Water Coalition has been working with 
farmers, lawmakers, and the news media to provide factual information 
emphasizing the importance of farm water to California's food 
production. The Coalition was instrumental in increasing public 
awareness about the resourceful water use practices that farmers 
partake in daily. Some interest groups falsely criticize farmers for 
not using their water efficiently, making these public awareness 
efforts even more important.
  The Coalition is the largest organization in California that focuses 
solely on water for agriculture and is comprised of a diverse 
membership, which includes water districts, agencies, farmers, and 
organizations from the entire state. For the past 25 years, the 
Coalition has provided an outlet for their members to share their views 
and accomplishments with the public.
  The California Farm Water Coalition works diligently to increase 
public awareness so individuals understand the important role that 
water has in California's economy. Since 1996, they have reached 
millions of motorists through a billboard campaign with the slogan, 
``Food Grows Where Water Flows.'' They strive to stay innovative in 
their marketing techniques so that consumers are educated about the 
importance of water to growing their nutritious fruits and vegetables.
  In addition to educating the public on the importance of farm water, 
the Coalition participates in key legislative meetings to provide 
valuable data pertaining to farm water and pending legislation that 
will affect farmers and their use of water. Their participation and 
resources were useful in the development of the Central Valley Water 
Plan.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives 
to join Mr. Valadao and myself in recognizing the 25th anniversary of 
the California Farm Water Coalition. The State of California's 
agricultural industry has benefitted immensely due to the hard work and 
efforts made by the California Farm Water Coalition.

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