[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15172]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


IN HONOR OF THE 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTEREY COUNTY FARM BUREAU

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                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2017

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues in the 
House join me in congratulating the Monterey County Farm Bureau on the 
occasion of their 100th Anniversary. Throughout the last century, the 
Bureau has assisted ranchers and farmers with crop cultivation and 
production. Over time, the organization has grown to become one of the 
region's most important economic institutions. In 1951, the Bureau 
formed various committees such as the Dairy, Field Crops, Grain 
Improvement, Tomato Growers, Tax and Legislation, Farm Service, and 
Water Problems Committees to ensure that farmers had the support needed 
to overcome challenges in farming. Under the direction of William 
``Bill'' Barker, who served as a leader for the Bureau from 1956 until 
his passing in 1999, Monterey County Farm Bureau continued to develop 
its ability to meet the needs of local farmers and ranchers. Throughout 
its history, the Bureau has invested time and effort into ensuring that 
local programs, such as Ag Extension, were available to the community. 
These local partnerships have been integral to the success of the 
agricultural industry in my district.
  Behind the economic might of agriculture on the central coast of 
California are individuals that work on the farms and ranches. As an 
organization, Monterey County Farm Bureau supports local farmers and 
ranchers by serving as a collective voice for agricultural firms and by 
providing them with the information, benefits, and services they need 
to succeed. By collaborating with various agricultural institutions, 
the Bureau supports farmers by helping them deal with the complex 
issues facing the agricultural community such as labor, land use, and 
water policies. The group also provides a vital voice for local 
agricultural firms by advocating for them on the local, state, and 
national level. At the 2014 California Farm Bureau Federation's Annual 
Meeting, Monterey County received a County of the Year award for 
excellence in activities including membership, policy implementation, 
leadership agricultural education, and public relations. This is a 
testament to the hard work and tradition of excellence of the Bureau.
  As the organization celebrates its centennial anniversary, I am proud 
to commend Monterey County Farm Bureau for its continued support of 
those working in agriculture in my district where crop cultivation is 
the cornerstone of the economy. Over the past century, Monterey 
County's agriculture industry has grown exponentially and now provides 
much of the nation's lettuce, strawberries, broccoli, wine grapes, and 
over 100 specialty crops. Monterey County Farm Bureau's support of 
farmers and ranchers in my district has undoubtedly helped establish 
regions like the Salinas Valley as the uncontested Salad Bowl of the 
World. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating 
Monterey County Farm Bureau on 100 years of excellence.

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