[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2395]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY FARM BUREAU

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                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 3, 2014

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased and honored to rise today 
and join in the Centennial Celebration of one of the most committed, 
hard-working and influential groups in San Diego County, the San Diego 
County Farm Bureau. 2014 marks 100 years of leadership for this non-
profit membership organization, founded with the objective to promote 
and protect local agriculture.
  Since 1914, the San Diego County Farm Bureau has served as the 
leading advocate for the farming community and works with elected 
officials, government agencies, educators, the media and the public to 
create an environment that allows for the continued growth and 
sustainability of local agriculture. The first formal meeting of the 
San Diego County Farm Bureau was held on February 20, 1914, at the 
Speckles Theater in San Diego where 383 family farmers paid $1 in dues 
to be eligible to vote on creating the organization. It was here that 
the San Diego County Farm Bureau became the third of 53 county farm 
bureaus formed in California. Judge W.R. Andrews of Spring Valley was 
elected as its first president and the Bureau's longevity can be 
directly attributed to a proud lineage of 51 presidents and legion of 
volunteers who have given unselfishly of their time in support of our 
local farming community.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no question that America's agriculture industry 
is steeped in tradition and was an integral industry upon which the 
economy and self-sufficiency of our young nation was built. America's 
``agrarian republic'' represented the hope of new beginnings and many 
of our founding fathers believed the character of leadership and 
necessary virtue would be found in those who worked the soil, in those 
who invested their time and effort into the production of their crops 
both for their own existence and that of their community. James Madison 
extolled the value of connecting with one's land and it was Thomas 
Jefferson who said, ``Agriculture. . . is our wisest pursuit, because 
it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and 
happiness.''
  While there was an initial debate on the long-term viability of 
agriculture's role in developing America's manufacturing base, our 
nation's productivity in this industry proved to be an immediate return 
on investment and indicative of the ability of the American people to 
thrive in any circumstance. As our nation grew, so did the importance 
of agriculture, particularly in California. Today, California leads all 
other states in farm income. With 73 percent of the state's 
agricultural revenues derived from over 200 different crops and 27 
percent of revenues generated by livestock commodities, California is 
our nation's leader in agriculture production. San Diego County has one 
of the country's largest farm economies and has more small and organic 
farms than any other county in California. San Diego County leads the 
nation in production of its two major crops, ornamentals and avocados, 
and is successfully invested in the areas of nurseries, cut flowers, 
fruits, vegetables, nuts, field crops, vineyards, livestock, and 
poultry.
  This production and success is not by chance, it is a direct result 
of the hard work of San Diego County's agriculture community and the 
tireless advocacy of the San Diego County Farm Bureau on their behalf. 
While our nation and my home state of California continue to face many 
economic challenges, particularly in the agriculture industry, we move 
forward with full confidence knowing that groups like the San Diego 
County Farm Bureau are leading by example and utilizing a wealth of 
experience that will continue to allow us to take advantage of our full 
potential. Congratulations again to the San Diego County Farm Bureau on 
100 years of service and I look forward to their continued success well 
into the future.

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