Tom Carper | United States Senator for Delaware E-mail Senator Carper

Agriculture

Agriculture is a vital part of our state's economy and I am dedicated to securing a better future for Delaware's hard-working farmers.

Applying New Technologies — The creation and application of new farm technologies is vital to the survival and growth of Delaware's farming economy. With recent advances in the field of biotechnology, we are able to increase the number of products that can be profitably derived from the crops grown in our state.

Soybeans and corn are now being used in fuel additives and, one day, might help significantly reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The 2007 energy bill includes many provisions that promote the use of biofuels, which are beneficial for Delaware's soybean and corn producers, and mandates that the use of biofuels climb to at least 36 billion gallons by 2022.

Support for Delaware Farmers — We must also work to protect Delaware from the damaging effects of crop loss. By promoting agricultural research, we can prevent disease and infestation and improve the quality of the crops that we produce.

This past year was difficult for Delaware's farmers, who have persevered under severe drought conditions. The agricultural community is a critical part of Delaware's economy, and we must make sure that our farmers receive needed financial assistance during difficult times. An assessment by the Farm Service Agency's Delaware Emergency Board estimates that 90 percent of the state's farmers have sustained losses beyond 30 percent of their anticipated production. That is why I supported Governor Minner's August 2007 request that the U.S. Department of Agriculture designate Delaware a drought disaster area. This designation allows Delaware farmers to secure up to $500,000 in low-interest federal loans for crop damage.

Over the past year, we have worked hard to mitigate the tough conditions Delaware's farmers have faced. In December 2007, the Senate passed a new Farm Bill that increased continuing commodity support for soybean, corn, wheat and dairy farmers, as well as establishing new support for specialty crops like fresh fruits and vegetables, horticulture and aquaculture. The bill also created a $5 billion Disaster Assistant Trust Fund that could provide instantaneously relief to Delaware's farmers in the event of a crippling natural disaster.

Preventing the Avian Flu and Increasing Trade — Another important aspect of Delaware's agricultural industry depends on the testing for and prevention of avian influenza. In 2004, our state was hit by an outbreak of avian influenza that forced many farmers to destroy their flocks and kept Delaware poultry from entering foreign countries. Once the situation was under control, I worked with the delegation to lift trade barriers and to ensure that we had more resources at the federal level for testing, combating and preventing avian influenza.

To aid our farmers and our state's economy, I support the removal of trade barriers that prevent Delaware products from being shipped throughout the world. By opening new markets, we increase the opportunities for trade and expand the global marketplace for Delaware products.

Finally, we need to continue our policies of land conservation while taking steps to preserve the agricultural way of life. As the Senate continues to debate the important issues that impact Delaware's farming communities, please know that I will make every effort to protect this vital part of our state's economy.