Gallagher, Thompson announce bipartisan effort to support North State agriculture and conservation

Representatives James Gallagher and Mike Thompson are working across the aisle to strengthen North State agriculture by expanding voluntary conservation initiatives and supporting specialty crop and wine producers.

Gallagher and Thompson are co-leading the Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act, legislation that expands the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to restore and protect wetlands, grasslands and other critical habitat along the Pacific Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory bird corridors. The bill strengthens voluntary partnerships with landowners to improve wildlife habitat while keeping working agricultural lands productive.

The Pacific Flyway stretches from Alaska to South America and serves as a vital migration route for millions of birds each year. Across Northern California, wetlands, managed wildlife areas, and working agricultural lands provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl while supporting the region’s farming economy. Expanding CREP will strengthen these voluntary conservation partnerships and help preserve important habitat for future generations.

“Northern California’s farmers have always demonstrated that agriculture and conservation can go hand in hand,” said Gallagher. “I’m proud to partner with Congressman Thompson on these bipartisan efforts to strengthen voluntary conservation, protect important wildlife habitat, and support the specialty crop and wine producers who are so important to our local economy.”

Gallagher is also a cosponsor of Thompson’s Specialty Crop and Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, which would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish a direct payment program for specialty crop growers and wine producers who experience losses resulting from increased foreign tariffs. The legislation recognizes the unique challenges facing California producers and provides targeted relief to help them remain competitive in global markets.

“It was an honor to partner with the late Rep. LaMalfa to introduce these bills enhancing ag land conservation and providing relief for specialty crop farmers and wine producers. Now, I’m glad to be carrying these important bills forward with Gallagher,” said Thompson. “Ag is the backbone of our local economies. Providing more opportunity for farmers to manage and conserve their land and delivering tariff relief just makes sense.”

California is the nation’s leading producer of specialty crops, and its wine industry supports thousands of jobs while contributing significantly to local economies. The Specialty Crop and Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act would establish a USDA direct payment program to help specialty crop growers and wine producers recover eligible losses associated with increased foreign tariffs, including export-related losses and the additional costs of handling and transporting perishable products.

Together, these bipartisan efforts recognize that a strong agricultural economy and responsible conservation are complementary priorities that benefit producers, protect wildlife habitat, and support Northern California’s rural communities.

Click here to hear a video message from Gallagher and Thompson about their bipartisan efforts to support North State agriculture.