Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, announced his bid to become the top Democrat on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee in the 120th Congress. A third-generation farmer who has represented the San Joaquin Valley since 2005, Costa has served on the committee for more than two decades and helped develop three farm bills that became law. He is seeking to succeed Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., who is leaving Congress, and will face Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, who announced her candidacy in September.

If selected, Costa would serve as the committee’s ranking member under a Republican majority or could become chairman if Democrats regain control of the House following next week’s midterm elections. The committee oversees federal agricultural policy, including the farm bill, crop insurance, conservation programs and nutrition assistance. Costa has identified rising production costs, agricultural markets, farmworker issues and strengthening the farm safety net among his priorities. His potential leadership would give California agriculture a prominent voice as Congress continues to work on federal farm policy.

Source: CFBF