Kings County legislator, Senator Hurtado, appointed as ag committee chair

“I am honored that President pro-Tempore Toni Atkins has appointed me as the Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said Hurtado in a release to The Leader. “As a daughter of immigrant agricultural workers, I am proud to be the first Latina to lead this committee. When I think about agriculture, I think about the demanding work and long days my parents endured, but I also think about the many opportunities employers provided them with — opportunities that allowed them to fulfill the American Dream,” she said.

“My hope is that, as Chair, I can provide a voice for people like them and for those whose voices often go unheard in Sacramento, like those of immigrant women, women farmers, and small farmers.” 

“We are excited to work with Senator Hurtado in her new capacity as Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said Lisa Tate, Director of Operations at the California Coffee Collective and a board member of the California Citrus Mutual. We know she will continue to be a voice for those who often go unheard in Sacramento, like farmworkers.”

“Her innovative solutions to the problems we are facing in California offer the fresh perspective we need today,” said Hernan Hernandez of the California Farmworker Foundation.

The Senate Agriculture Committee reviews legislation on various topics, including food standards and labeling, agricultural technology, farmland preservation and conservation, and food system security.

In California, agriculture represents a $50 billion industry, employing nearly half a million people and growing food on which the state, nation, and globe rely.  Agriculture in California and around the world is transforming as climate change impacts start to take hold. 

Last year, Senator Hurtado was invited to attend the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. She also participated in and attended the United Nations Climate Conference in Egypt. Both allowed her the opportunity to hear what other states and nations are doing in this area.