Freshman Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) has been appointed to serve on the House Committee on Agriculture for the 116th Congress, named to that committee this past week.
The committee ensures federal policies empower American farmers and helps them meet 21st century needs, such as conservation, food safety, technological innovation, and keeping pace with an increasingly globalized economy. The committee also oversees a wide range of issues including agricultural research and development, renewable energy, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, rural development, crop insurance, international trade, futures market regulation, animal and plant health, bioterrorism, forestry and other vital issues for a thriving agricultural economy.
Rep. Harder sought appointment to this committee because it will allow him to lead on one of the most important issues to the communities of the 10th District. In 2017, Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties produced over $8.7 billion in agricultural commodities, and the agriculture sector supports over a third of all jobs in Stanislaus County alone. Serving on this Committee allows Harder to bring new solutions to supporting our farmers in the Central Valley.
“Agriculture is the backbone of the Central Valley economy, with nearly $8 billion of agricultural commodities produced in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties alone, we feed the nation and much of the world,” Harder said. “But we also have critical challenges that we must meet head on, beginning with sensible solutions to expand our water supply, better manage our existing water resources, and help our communities better prepare for droughts. Serving on the Agriculture Committee is a tremendous honor and will let me take lead on the issues that impact our district.”
Earlier, Harder was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Education and Labor. The goal of that committee is to ensure federal policy effectively empowers students in and outside the classroom so that the United States leads the way in preparing the next generation of leaders. The committee also oversees initiatives that strengthen the U.S. economy by empowering the workforce and overseeing labor initiatives aimed at improving health care, job training, pensions, and all issues impacting the wellbeing of employees in the workplace.
Back in the district for a brief period, Harder had several meetings set over the past few days in a ‘Listening Tour’ as part of his first 100 days agenda.
On Friday, Jan. 18 he had a stop in Patterson, while Saturday, Jan. 19 saw visits to the Stanislaus County Veterans Center on Coffee Road in Modesto in the morning and a stop at the Hughson Public Library in the afternoon. He wrapped up Saturday with a session at the Ceres Community Center.
Sunday, Jan. 20 saw an afternoon stop at the Assyrian American Civic Club in Turlock and on Monday, Jan. 21, Harder had scheduled stops at Tracy City Hall and the Manteca Fire House.
