Freshman House Republican Kevin McCarthy is already hearing from fruit and vegetable growers in his congressional district (CA-22) that historic disparities need to be remedied in the 2007 Farm Bill.

As David Whitney reports in The Tribune of San Luis Obispo (Jan. 15):

The Bakersfield Republican is just settling in.

He has hired a staff, cast his first votes, delivered his first floor speech, and written his first letter asking for money for his district. Last week he was appointed to the House Agriculture Committee...

Kern County farmers, particularly those in the cotton business, have received $416 million in federal subsidies in the last decade, according to an analysis by the Environmental Working Group. San Luis Obispo County farmers, who largely produce fruits and vegetables and grow wine grapes, received $70 million in subsidies.

This year, these so-called specialty crop growers have organized nationally into a coalition to seek a greater share of the federal purse, perhaps at the expense of the traditional growers like Kern County’s cotton farmers.

Paul Clark, president of the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau, said the organization is "thrilled" McCarthy landed on the Agriculture Committee.

He said the county bureau has been working for years on the subsidy imbalance and has confidence that McCarthy can help them in the effort.

"Every little bit helps as far as congressional interest," Clark said. "Kevin knows the issues we are facing."

Looks like San Luis Obispo county farmers are tired of being...