LEGISLATOR PROFILE People Got to Eat, and They Always Will! U.S. Representative Doug LaMalfa represents California’s 1st Congressional District, located north of Sacramento in California’s Central Valley. Known as a champion for agriculture, LaMalfa is dedicated to addressing agriculture’s most pressing issues.
By Chardae Heim M eet Doug LaMalfa, a Congressman representing California’s first congressional district who also doubles as a rice farmer. Interestingly, LaMalfa’s life has come full circle. As a native of Oroville, California, a small city serving as the county seat of Butte County, LaMalfa was born into the number one industry in his region, agriculture. Dating back about 110 years, LaMalfa’s great-grandparents emigrated from Sicily to northern California, just south of San Jose, to establish a prune ranch, vineyard and winery. After many successful years of operation, his family ventured into rice farming near Chico in 1931. Considering the LaMalfa family’s extensive history in agriculture, Congressman LaMalfa understood the importance of agriculture at a young age. In the city of Oroville, agriculture is the backbone of their community, providing a significant portion of the county’s economy. LaMalfa’s appreciation for the industry is considerably similar to Oroville’s appreciation for agriculture. After graduating from secondary school, LaMalfa attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to earn his degree in agricultural business before returning home to help manage his family’s farming business. Following the 2000 census, the California State Legislature completed redistricting for the House of Representatives, the State Assembly and the State Senate districts. This presented an open seat in California’s second district, which seemed most ideal for a person with an agriculture background to fill. While other farmers had no desire to occupy the seat, LaMalfa seized the opportunity after toying with the idea for a bit. He completed all three terms allowed by state limit in the state legislature before pursuing membership in Congress, representing California’s First Congressional District.
30 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2020
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