[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 47 (Friday, March 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF MERCED COUNTY FARM BUREAU

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 17, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th 
anniversary of the Merced County Farm Bureau, an organization that is 
dedicated to supporting and advocating for Merced County's agriculture 
industry.
  The organization first began as the Merced County Farmers and later 
became known as the Merced County Farm Bureau in 1917. The high demand 
for food production during World War I urged the University of 
California to help in funding farmers around the Central Valley in 
their efforts to produce agricultural products faster, sending their 
advisers to local farms in Merced County. On March 7, 1917, the Merced 
County Farmers, signed a petition requesting a farm advisor from the 
University of California for Merced County, through the University of 
California Cooperative Extension program. However, in order to obtain 
an advisor, the organization needed to become a Farm Bureau first. And 
so, after changing the name of the organization and complying with 
necessary requirements to become a farm bureau, the Merced County Farm 
Bureau had its first meeting on May 17, 1917.
  As a result of having an advisor, scientific innovations began to 
take form in the production of food, dairy, research support and Labor 
management, and the positive impacts were experienced throughout the 
county. It began by supporting policies and legislation that protected 
the natural resources required for the production of agriculture.
  As a non-profit organization, the Merced County Farm Bureau 
contributes to the community by providing scholarship opportunities to 
the children of farmers who are pursuing higher education. It also 
provides a program to young adults in Merced County that facilitate 
professional development and social networking to farmers, ranchers and 
individuals who work in agriculture between the ages of 18-35. 
Additionally the Merced County Farm Bureau keeps their farmers and 
community informed about local agricultural issues as well as state and 
national legislation through their Merced County Farm Newspaper. 
Furthermore, the Merced County Farm Bureau hosts local farmers markets 
to help support farmers around the Central Valley.
  Now 100 years after the Merced County Farm Bureau was created, it has 
become the 6th largest producing agricultural county in California, 
greatly contributing in the overall economy of our state and making 90% 
of California's Sweet Potatoes. Thanks to organizations like the Merced 
County Farm Bureau, the San Joaquin Valley's agriculture industry has 
become a significant economic contributor to the state.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebration of the 
100th anniversary of the Merced County Farm Bureau. The last 100 years 
have been a testament of their strong commitment and continued support 
of our community and agricultural producers.

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