(Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz has met with growers)....The congressman said he wanted to hear first hand from the Imperial Valley growers.

He wanted to hear about the most pressing challenges facing the local agricultural industry. The Congressman said Farming is still the backbone of this region's economy and plays a critical role in feeding the nation. Ruiz said one of the major concerns discussed was the closure of Spreckels Sugar Incorporated in Brawley. He said the shutdown represents a devastating blow to the communities, threatening hundreds of good paying jobs and millions of dollars in local economic activity. The Congressman said he will continue to advocate at the federal level against the closure of Spreckles and work towards a solution that protects the workers, support the local farmers and secures the long-term strength for the Imperial Valley. He has mailed out survey's asking locals how they feel about the closure of Spreckles and how that will affect the Imperial Valley's local economy.