Gwen Graham Named to Agriculture Committee

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., announced on Monday she was named to the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. Graham defeated U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, R-Fla., back in November in a rare bright spot for Democrats in the Sunshine State in last years election cycle.

Farmers and rural communities are the backbone of North Florida, Graham said on Monday. "Our economy depends on their hard work. Our families depend on them to provide food.

On the Agriculture Committee, I will be a voice our farmers can depend on to represent their interests, Graham added.

Graham helped overcome a Republican tide by pushing the North Florida way instead of the Washington way on the campaign trail and stressing bipartisanship. She continued along those lines on Monday.

Floridas farmers expect us to rise above partisanship and politics, Graham said. I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to benefit North Florida agriculture.

Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick said he was glad Graham has her new assignment.

I want to congratulate Rep. Gwen Graham upon her appointment to the House Agriculture Committee, Hoblick said. Floridas farm families look forward to working with her on a variety of federal issues that affect their livelihoods. They will be knowledgeable resources for Rep. Graham in both the development of new legislation and the application of existing policies.

Graham is not the only representative from North Florida on the Agriculture Committee. U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., also sits on it.