Congressman Fong Named Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation for New Modern Agriculture Caucus
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vince Fong (CA-20) announced the launch of the Modern Agriculture Caucus, a new initiative focused on advancing innovation and technology in American farming. The caucus will be led by Chairman Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), with Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Tracey Mann (R-KS), and Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) serving as Vice Chairs.
Congressman Fong will serve as Vice Chair for Smart Irrigation, helping lead the effort to modernize water use and efficiency in agriculture.
"It’s an honor to serve as Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation for the Modern Ag Caucus as my district is the food-producing capital of California," said Vice Chair Fong. "As technology advances, we must leverage innovation to strengthen our agriculture industry in my state and across the nation. With Western farmers facing increasingly volatile water cycles, driving smart, sustainable practices through the Modern Ag Caucus is essential. I’m committed to advancing cutting-edge solutions that improve water efficiency – helping our farmers not just grow more food, but thrive for generations to come."
"I see great opportunity to bring awareness and support to innovative efforts of American farmers and ranchers feeding and fueling the world. As Nebraska’s third district leads the Nation in agricultural production, I’ve seen first-hand the benefit modern agriculture practices provide for both producers and consumers," said Chair Smith. "Through this caucus, we will champion policy which promotes cutting-edge technologies, stewardship of our natural resources, as well as the development and protection of U.S. agricultural innovation and intellectual property. I thank each vice chair for joining in this effort, and I look forward to all we will accomplish for agriculture across America."
"The Trump Administration and Congress know how important agricultural innovation and technology are to farming. This is why we are blessed as a nation with a safe, nutritious, and abundant food supply. I look forward to working with Congress and this new caucus to advance key agricultural priorities that improve the economic and production capacity of our agricultural sector. When our farmers and ranchers have the innovative tools to succeed, rural America prospers and our whole country benefits," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Booke L. Rollins.
"American agriculture is at the forefront of science, technology, and innovation, and that’s exactly where it belongs," said House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson. "The Modern Agriculture Caucus will champion policies that embrace cutting-edge advancements like precision agriculture, support sustainable farming practices, and protect the intellectual property that underpins our global leadership."
The Modern Agriculture Caucus supports and advances cutting-edge practices to increase food production, improve farm efficiency, and strengthen American leadership in global food security. Through effective policymaking the caucus advocates for innovation, education, and responsible legislation for the agriculture industry.
Full list of Modern Agriculture Caucus leadership is as follows:
Caucus Chairman - Rep. Adrian Smith
Vice Chair of Smart Irrigation – Rep. Vince Fong
Vice Chair of Precision Agriculture – Rep. Erin Houchin
Vice Chair of Biotechnology – Rep. Frank Lucas
Vice Chair of Food Affordability – Rep. Rob Bresnahan
Vice Chair of Emerging Innovations – Rep. Brad Finstad
Vice Chair of Automation & AI – Rep. Tracey Mann
Additional members of the caucus include: Reps. Marianette Miller Meeks (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Flood (R-NE), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), David Valadao (R-CA), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Ann Wagner (R-MO).