Congressman Doug LaMalfa. Courtesy photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after President Trump announced an economic assistance package for American farm producers:

“I appreciate the Trump Administration for taking important action to protect farm country,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “American agriculture is faced with skyrocketing input prices and rising labor costs and is in much need of assistance. This year we achieved monumental successes for farming via H.R 1. We increased the Death Tax exemption so that family farms can stay in families. We achieved wins in the Farm Bill like crop insurance reforms and updated reference prices. Importantly, passage of the Secure Rural Schools act is on the horizon as well. However, there is still much work to be done, and I am actively working with the Trump Administration and the House Agriculture Committee to make sure all the farm commodities we have here in Northern California are supported as well. Food security is national security, and I commend the Administration for the release of this farm aid package.”

Last week, Congressman LaMalfa introduced bipartisan legislation with Reps. Thompson (D-CA), Newhouse (R-WA), Salinas (D-OR), and Panetta (D-CA): “the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act.” The bill provides direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from trade relations and serves as a blueprint for supporting all of farm country, not just the crops covered in today’s announcement. Rep. LaMalfa is committed to working with the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins to find a way to include specialty crops in future packages. Countless specialty crops have been affected by trade relations, and they need to be considered in any path forward.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.