FRESNO, CA — Today, Assemblymember José Luis Solache (D–Lynwood), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact (EDGHI), and Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D–Fresno), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, co-hosted a joint informational hearing at California State University, Fresno to explore how rising costs in agriculture are shaping affordability for families across the Central Valley.
The hearing, titled "Cost Pressures on California's Food System and Household Impacts," brought together policy experts, researchers, and agricultural leaders to discuss economic challenges facing the state's food producers and their ripple effects on everyday consumers.
Panelists included Dr. Srinivas Konduru, Chair of Fresno State's Department of Agricultural Business; Caroline Danielson, Vice President of Research at the Public Policy Institute of California; representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA); and local small and mid-sized farm and dairy operators.
Assemblymember Solache emphasized that understanding affordability in California means looking beyond consumer prices to the systems that drive them.
"When we talk about affordability, it's not just about how much a gallon of milk or a dozen eggs costs," said Solache. "It's about understanding the economic pressures on the people and businesses that make our food system work. Today's discussion in Fresno reinforced that any solution to California's affordability crisis must include support for our agricultural backbone - the Central Valley's farmers, workers, and families."
"We were there to listen, take note, and take action when we return to Sacramento in January," said Soria. "We must address the cost of living in California. After hearing testimony today, we must also address cost increases and external factors that are negatively affecting our Ag economy and hurting everyday households across our state."
The joint hearing is part of the EDGHI Committee's statewide "Pocketbook Tour," a series of regional hearings examining the cost pressures affecting California households — from housing and energy to workforce and food access. The Fresno hearing focused specifically on how the agricultural economy intersects with family affordability, regional development, and the state's broader economic growth.
For more information on the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact, visit aedghi.assembly.ca.gov.
CONTACTS: Office of Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr. - Chris.Mateo@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2062
Office of Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria - Brody.Fernandez@asm.ca.gov, (916) 276-3390
