Farm Bureau endorses Bill Berryhill for state Assembly

» June 25, 2007 «

A fourth-generation family farmer with a history of public service, Bill Berryhill, has won the California Farm Bureau Federation endorsement for Assembly in the 26th District. Berryhill seeks the Republican nomination in next year's election to succeed Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton, who will have served the maximum three terms in office.

"Our board decided to endorse Bill Berryhill early in the process, because of his background and his devotion to the issues that affect family farmers and ranchers," California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said. "It's crucial to elect members to the Legislature who understand the vital role farmers play in supporting our environment and economy. Bill knows those issues firsthand."

Berryhill grows grapes and walnuts in Stanislaus County, where he served on the county Farm Bureau board of directors. He has served nine years as a trustee on the Ceres Unified School District Board. The 26th Assembly District serves portions of San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties, which combined generate more than $3.7 billion annually in sales of agricultural products.

"We appreciate Bill Berryhill's commitment to serve all the residents of his district and his particular interest in strengthening the family farms and ranches that are the backbone of the area's economy," Mosebar said. "We know he will carry on his family's tradition of effective public service."

Berryhill's brother, Tom, represents the neighboring 25th District in the state Assembly and earned the Farm Bureau endorsement in his race for that seat last year. Their late father, Clare Berryhill, also served in the Legislature and as director of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The California Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest farm organization, works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 92,000 members.

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.