USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses agricultural leaders during a roundtable discussion at Allied Potato in Bakersfield hosted by Rep. David Valadao on May 29, 2026. The event focused on federal agricultural policy and challenges facing Central Valley producers. Photo courtesy of Valadao’s office.
Rep. David Valadao hosted U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in Bakersfield on May 29 for a roundtable discussion with agricultural leaders focused on issues affecting Central Valley farmers, ranchers and producers, according to a news announcement.
The event, held at Allied Potato, brought together representatives from major agricultural organizations and companies across the region to discuss rising production costs, workforce shortages, regulations and market conditions. Officials also highlighted USDA’s finalization of the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers program, which will provide $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers nationwide.
Prior to the discussion, Valadao and Rollins toured Allied Potato’s operations, including potato fields and processing facilities.
What’s happening
Valadao said the conversation focused on challenges facing producers throughout the Central Valley and the need for policies that support long-term agricultural stability.
According to USDA, the finalized specialty crop assistance program includes $625 million more than previously announced and is intended to help growers offset higher input costs and market disruptions.
Rollins said the administration is working to strengthen specialty crop operations through domestic demand initiatives and expanded export opportunities.
Allied Potato President and Owner Jason Davenport said hosting the event provided an opportunity to showcase California’s role in potato production and exports while discussing issues affecting agricultural businesses throughout the region.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, right, speaks with Jason Davenport, president and owner of Allied Potato, during a tour of the company’s Bakersfield operation on May 29. Photo courtesy of Valadao’s office
Why it matters
Agriculture remains one of the Central Valley’s largest economic drivers, making federal policy decisions on labor, trade, water and production costs particularly significant for regional businesses.
The roundtable included representatives from organizations such as California Farm Bureau, Western Growers, California Dairies Inc., California Citrus Mutual, Blue Diamond Almonds, Grimmway Farms, Family Tree Farms and several other agricultural stakeholders.
The Bakersfield discussion comes amid broader federal engagement with Valley agriculture. This week, Rep. Vince Fong hosted Rep. Adrian Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, for a roundtable in Fresno focused on trade agreements, water infrastructure investments and tax relief for farmers.
Industry leaders have continued to emphasize the importance of market access, reliable water supplies and workforce availability as key factors influencing the region’s agricultural competitiveness.