Agriculture
Though small in size, Delaware is one of the nation’s leading agriculture states and boasts a diversified economy. While better known for its banking and financial institutions and chemical companies, Delaware is home to the nation’s number one poultry-producing county in America. With a thriving corn growing industry in Sussex County, wheat production throughout Kent County, and mushroom production in New Castle County, Delaware is home to many of the nation’s oldest continuously-operating farms, some going back more than 300 years. Senator Biden has been a powerful advocate for Delaware’s farmers, and continues to work tirelessly to ensure they get the support they need from the federal government.
THE BIDEN RECORD: OPENING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FARMERS
The Farm Bill
Senator Biden supported the Farm Bill and believes that it is a
responsible compromise. It is not perfect, but it was the product of
lengthy negotiations and passage was essential to our farm economy. For
Delaware and the rest of the nation, this bill contains funding and
programs that are critical to the future of the family farmer,
stewardship of our environment and meeting nutritional needs at a time
when food prices are rising.
Senator Biden is pleased that the bill will continue our support of
farm-grown, alternative fuels, moving toward cellulosic ethanol.
Reducing our dependence on imported oil is critical. At the same time,
there is a global food crisis; today's ethanol production, mostly from
corn, must become tomorrow's ethanol from non-food sources. Senator
Biden also believes that this bill contains unprecedented funding for
specialty crops. Senator Biden was disappointed, however, that in a
time of record food prices and a global food crisis, the bill did not
include more significant reforms to farm subsidy payments.
Opening Domestic and Foreign Markets to Delaware Products
Senator Biden is one of the Senate’s leading proponents of the idea
that the future of American agriculture lies in exports. In 2000, he
voted to give Delaware’s farmers unprecedented access to China’s market
of 1.2 billion consumers for U.S. farm products and services. Senator
Biden argued for a bilateral trade agreement to enhance opportunities
for Delaware’s farmers, workers and businesses to compete successfully
in China’s market.
Earlier, in the mid-90's, immediately upon learning that Russia
threatened to stop importing American poultry products, Senator Biden
led the Senate effort against this ban. He also has fought to maintain
a competitive marketplace at home for America’s farmers. For example,
during the 1980's, Senator Biden defended the interests of small
growers on the Delmarva peninsula and challenged foreign subsidies.
When several countries were paying their chicken growers an 11
cent-per-pound subsidy to export their products, and American trade
negotiators were dragging their feet, Senator Biden authored a key
amendment passed by the Senate to pressure the European Economic
Community and Brazil to reduce unfair subsidies.
Responding to the Global Food Crisis
As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Biden
held a hearing on the global food crisis. With global food prices
rising 3 percent in the past three years and the United States
experiencing the worst food inflation in 17 years, Senator Biden
announced a new approach to food policy and the global food crisis.
Senator Biden strongly believes that it is imperative that we
rededicate resources and attention in the following four areas: First,
we need to reinvest in agriculture development. Second, we need to make
sure our institutions are organized effectively to address the food
challenge. Third, we should ask the hard questions about our existing
food policies - does our current bio-fuels policy that diverts corn
from food to fuel make sense? Finally, the international community
should consider a global compact on food that will eliminate crippling
food tariffs affecting the poorest countries.
THE BIDEN RECORD: KEEPING FARMS SAFE AND INNOVATIVE
Combating Avian Influenza
Senator Biden was at the forefront of the fight against Avian Influenza
when it was discovered in two flocks of chickens in Delaware in 2004.
The presence of avian influenza is a major threat to the poultry
industry and at the time, over 50 countries banned U.S. poultry
exports. Senator Biden immediately requested funding to respond to and
prevent the spread of avian influenza in Delaware, Maryland and other
surrounding states. In addition, Senator Biden requested and received
assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture to help
Delaware and their poultry businesses recover and to undertake new
research to minimize this threat. He also worked to help re-open
international markets to Delaware exports.
Supporting Agricultural Research and Education
In an effort to improve our lead in agricultural productivity and
efficiency, research investment is necessary so that U.S. producers can
continue to serve a global marketplace and meet the demands of a
growing world population. To help American farmers remain the most
productive in the world, Senator Biden has worked with his Senate
colleagues to increase federal funding available for competitive grants
for agricultural research.
Funding the Farmland Protection Program
Senator Biden has been a long-time advocate of funding for the Farmland
Protection Program. Under this system, landowners are encouraged to
voluntarily convey the development rights of their land to the state
while retaining the right to use the property for agriculture. This
gives family farmers added protection from development while preserving
the farmers’ way of life for future generations.
Providing Disaster Relief for Farmers and Ranchers
The last few years have seen farmers all across America hit with one
natural disaster after another. Senator Biden has consistently voted to
increase funding for disaster relief for farmers and ranchers in order
to address these needs. He also supported initiatives to target relief
for drought victims and maintain crop insurance payments and assistance
for dairy farmers.
Supporting Delaware’s Extension Service
From providing farmers with timely weather and crop information, to
informing expectant mothers about nutritional needs, to developing new
disease-resistant types of lima beans, Delaware’s Extension Service
provides the agricultural community with a variety of important
assistance. Senator Biden knows that the returns from these programs
far exceed their costs, and he has consistently fought against
short-sighted attempts to cut funding to the Extension Service.
Stopping Foreign Plant and Animal Species From Reaching Our Shores and Harming Our Environment
Senator Biden has been a strong supporter of efforts to combat the
problem of invasive species -- plants and animals improperly brought to
U.S. shores. Senator Biden feels that these non-native species have the
potential to be one of the largest economic and environmental threats
in the 21st century. Non-native species alter vegetation, compete with
native species, introduce new diseases and interfere with maritime
commerce. Conscious of these dangers, Senator Biden continues to
support programs aimed at preventing the importation of non-native
plants and animals to the United States.
University of Delaware’s Poultry Lab
Senator Biden’s hard work and commitment to ensuring healthy and
profitable flocks led the Congress to provide $3.5 million in federal
funds toward the construction of a state-of-the-art poultry disease
research facility at the University of Delaware. This laboratory
facilitates nationally important research and testing services, and
provides growers with timely disease prevention information.
