Farm Bureau endorses Feinstein for Senate re-election

» August 29, 2005 «

Citing her consistent concern for family farmers and ranchers, the California Farm Bureau Federation has endorsed Dianne Feinstein for re-election to the United States Senate.

"Senator Feinstein genuinely cares about the future of farms and ranches," California Farm Bureau President Bill Pauli said. "Throughout her tenure, she has remained approachable and effectively advocated on behalf of California farmers."

Pauli noted the senator's interest in water and other natural-resources issues that affect farms and ranches.

"She understands that California must develop additional water supplies to secure the future for farms, cities and the environment," he said, "and has remained a strong advocate for water storage under the Cal-Fed Bay-Delta Program."

He said the senator played a key role in negotiating passage of Healthy Forests legislation, which incorporates timber harvesting as a fire-management tool. She secured disaster relief for farmers who were hit by the disastrous Southern California wildfires in 2003.

Pauli added that Sen. Feinstein has also been a leading voice for adequate protections at U.S. ports and border stations, to guard against imported agricultural pests and diseases.

"Senator Feinstein recognizes that farmland security is a key component of homeland security," he said. "As a member of the agricultural appropriations committee, she has worked to assure that pest-exclusion programs have the resources they need so that family farmers and ranchers can continue providing safe, affordable food."

In endorsing the senator more than a year before she stands for re-election, Pauli said, the Farm Bureau shows its confidence in Sen. Feinstein's continued leadership.

"We have developed a strong relationship with Senator Feinstein, and have no doubt that her re-election will benefit California's family farmers and ranchers," he said.

The Farm Bureau also endorsed Sen. Feinstein's previous re-election bids in 1994 and 2000.

As the state's largest farm organization, the California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 87,000 members throughout the state.

Contact: Dave Kranz
Phone: 916/561-5550
news@cfbf.com

Permission for use is granted, however, credit must be made to the California Farm Bureau Federation when reprinting this item.