CA Senator Adam Schiff visits farm in South Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Senator Adam Schiff is working with Central Valley’s farm workers and agricultural leaders to tackle issues the ag industry is facing.

Senator Adam Schiff toured a farm in South Fresno on Saturday. He says he is committed to keeping local farmers successful.

“Enormously proud of all the specialty crops that we produce here and want to make sure that we keep this industry healthy and strong,” Schiff said.

He says the first step is getting to know the business itself.

“I’m trying to get to know the industry and its different forms throughout California, but also trying to identify what are the unique needs of agriculture in California,” Schiff said.

Schiff is the first California senator to serve on the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry in over 30 years.

He says a top priority is figuring out how specialty crop farmers can get the help they need.

“There are unique challenges facing the specialty crops. There’s in particular, I think, a heightened importance on the research USDA does into pests and disease that can just devastate these crops,” Schiff said.

Schiff is also concerned about how tariffs could impact the ag industry.

“I know the president just announced, what, a 50% tariff on Europe, then, you know, our friends and our foes around the world understand and that they can punish the administration by punishing farmers,” Schiff said.

Schiff is focused on working closely with Congressman Jim Costa on key issues farmers are facing on a local and state level.

“Our agriculture community cares about a lot of issues like anybody else around the country. But the crucibles here in California always tend to be focused on the water, on labor and on trade,” Costa said.