Panetta Introduces Bill to Spur Central Coast Ag Mechanization, Innovation

SALINAS, CA – On Friday, October 26, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), co-chair of the Congressional Agriculture Research Caucus, introduced the Specialty Crop Mechanization Prize Challenge Act. The bipartisan legislation incentivizes innovative agriculture technology development and deployment. The bill also encourages public-private partnerships between the agriculture industry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop mechanization technology to alleviate workforce and cultivation shortfalls.
"The Specialty Crop Mechanization Prize Challenge Act is an important way to inject innovative federal investments in the central coast of California’s agriculture industry," said Congressman Panetta. "Research, development, and evaluation of new specialty crop technologies can help farmers, farmworkers, processors, and shippers at all levels of the supply chain."
"Innovation in agricultural technology will benefit farmers and their employees, while strengthening ties between Silicon Valley and farm country," California Farm Bureau Federation President Jamie Johansson said. "Farmers of many crops and commodities would welcome new robotic or automated methods that would be practical, safe, and efficient. We thank Rep. Panetta for introducing this bill and look forward to reaping the benefits of the public-private partnerships it would create."
"California fruit, vegetable, and tree nut farmers face many daunting challenges, including water scarcity and labor shortages, which threaten the continued production of a safe, healthy, and affordable domestic food supply," said Western Growers President & CEO Tom Nassif. "Solutions to these problems will require the rapid acceleration of technology geared toward agriculture. We are pleased that Rep. Panetta understands the role government can play, alongside private sector investments, in speeding the development of innovations aimed at ensuring California farmers meet the needs of a growing population with fewer resources and a smaller footprint."
The Central Coast is home to a $5 billion agriculture industry, producing over 100 different specialty crops. The fruits and vegetables that drive the local economy, such as strawberries, lettuce, and spinach, are particularly labor-intensive. This legislation aims at supporting the development and deployment of technologies to alleviate stresses on the existing workforce and to mechanize activities where there is not a readily available workforce.

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Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

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King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

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King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield. The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding. The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada. Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.

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