United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared at Fowler Packing Co. Wednesday as part of the ongoing rural America tour. At Fowler Packing, the secretary promised farmers “will press the Obama administration for solutions to the region’s water crisis.”According to the Associated Press story available on the Fresno Bee website, Secretary Vilsack took part in a private meeting with local agricultural stakeholders that was arranged by Representative Jim Costa of Fresno. The Secretary heard concerns over issues ranging from Mexican trucking and trade tariffs to the recent threat of citrus greening due to a potential infestation of the Asian citrus psyllid.
The main issue for the farmers, though, was drought and water needs. According to the Associated Press, the farmers are upset the state is using an outdated system of conveyances, and this reliance has lead to cut deliveries because of environmental concerns.
To read the Associated Press story click here.
Posted: 08/26/09
