Fong Applauds House Passage of Agriculture Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) voted in support of the FY2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act that passed the House. The legislation provides $26.27 billion in discretionary funding to support American agriculture, rural communities, and food safety.

Importantly, Congressman Fong secured critical investments and protections for Central Valley farmers and families that strengthen California agriculture, protect producers from invasive pests and diseases, and support rural communities. The bill also advances broader efforts to lower costs, strengthen domestic production, and reinforce U.S. food security.

"California produces nearly three-quarters of the nation's fresh fruits and nuts and more than half of its vegetables, with the Central Valley serving as the backbone of that," said Congressman Fong. "This legislation delivers for the farmers and ranchers who make the Central Valley the food production capital of our state. It strengthens our ability to combat harmful invasive pests, enhances water supply efforts, and provides critical support to protect our agricultural producers. The bill also invests $3.81 billion in rural broadband expansion, water infrastructure, and economic development, while advancing key national security priorities, including preventing adversarial nations from purchasing American farmland. This is a win for the Central Valley, a win for California agriculture, and a win for our nation; I was proud to support it."

"The Almond Alliance applauds the House's advancement of the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill and is especially grateful to Representative Vince Fong for his continued advocacy on behalf of California's almond industry," said Alexi Rodriguez, President & CEO, Almond Alliance. "The bill includes important investments and direction to address several of the most pressing pest and orchard-management challenges facing our industry, including $8.84 million to combat Navel Orangeworm, language to confront the invasive Carpophilus truncatus beetle, and support for NRCS-backed orchard removal. These provisions reflect a practical, science-based approach to protecting crops, strengthening competitiveness, and supporting an industry navigating a difficult economic environment. Representative Fong understands the importance of almonds to the San Joaquin Valley, and his leadership helps ensure the families, farms, and businesses behind this industry have a strong voice in Washington."

"We thank Rep. Fong for his leadership and continued support not only for citrus, but for the vital programs needed to fend off the pests and diseases impacting the agricultural industry as a whole," said Jacob Villagomez, Director, Governmental Affairs, California Citrus Mutual.

Thanks to Congressman Fong's advocacy, the bill includes the following wins for California's 20th District. In total, he helped secure:

• An additional $500,000, for a total of $21.766 million, to combat the glassy-winged sharpshooter, helping to protect California's citrus and grape industries from this destructive invasive pest.
• $8.84 million to combat the navel orangeworm, protecting the Central Valley's tree nut industry from one of its most damaging threats.
• A $500,000 increase for citrus breeding research to develop more durable, productive citrus crops.
• $72.36 million in total citrus health funding through the Citrus Health Response Program, sustaining a national effort to protect the U.S. citrus industry from invasive pests and diseases.
• Language directing the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to combat the spread of the invasive Carpophilus truncatus beetle to protect the domestic tree nut industry.
• Language encouraging the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide assistance for orchard removal under EQIP where invasive pests threaten the sustainability of production, and to coordinate on replanting best practices.
• Language encouraging the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to collaborate with APHIS and industry on the navel orangeworm (NOW) sterile moth pilot program to reduce pest populations.
• Language encouraging ARS to continue citrus greening (Huanglongbing) research, developing methods to reduce transmission and enhance immunity.
• Language continuing access to affordable rural homeownership through the USDA Rural Housing Service (RHS) by maintaining stable loan limits for rural homebuyers.
• Language directing USDA to expand the applicability of Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI) systems for manure and nutrient management under EQIP and Code 590, removing barriers that prevent Central Valley farmers from accessing water conservation modernization programs.

Overall, the bill delivers on key agricultural and rural priorities by protecting American agriculture, strengthening food security, and investing in rural communities:

• Provides $7.1 billion for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to maintain a safe and reliable food and drug supply.
• Invests $3.81 billion in rural development programs supporting broadband expansion, water infrastructure, and rural economic development.
• Fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to support food security for American families.
• Enhances oversight of foreign adversarial investment in U.S. agriculture, including agricultural land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing.
• Provides robust funding for agricultural research, biosecurity, and pest and disease management programs to safeguard U.S. food production.
• Strengthens oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving federal tracking systems and adding the Secretary of Agriculture to a key national security committee to review land purchases by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.