Press Releases with the Topic of “agriculture”

WASHINGTON – Working to aid Kentucky farmers and ensure they are not forced to pay foreign laborers more than American workers, U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) has introduced legislation to reform the H-2A Visa Program.

“Kentucky farmers are the backbone of our economy in the Commonwealth,” Whitfield said. “During tough financial times, it is more important than ever that we ensure our agriculture community is protected and that American workers are paid fairly. The H-2A program is vital for agriculture, which requires a steady workforce to do this labor intensive work. My bill will go a long way in correcting the wage rate problem that our farmers have faced over the past few years.”

Whitfield introduced H.R. 4835, a bill which would allow an employer to pay an H-2A worker the Federal minimum wage or the prevailing wage in a case where the employer pays that wage to U.S. citizens similarly employed. Currently, employers who hire H-2A visa holders are required to offer and pay their employees adverse effect wage rates (AEWR), which are determined by the Department of Labor. Employers must pay the higher of the AEWR, the applicable prevailing wage, or the statutory minimum wage. The legislation introduced by Whitfield would help ensure foreign workers are not paid more than American workers and aid Kentucky farmers during tough economic times.

"Farmers must have access to labor at wages that are fair to both the employer and the employee,” said President of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Mark Haney. “Kentucky Farm Bureau is appreciative of Congressman Whitfield’s efforts in trying to address wage rates within the H-2A program. Farmers are willing to pay a fair wage rate for the job being performed, and since the H-2A program is the only labor program that mandates the consideration of an adverse effect wage rate, we feel Congressman Whitfield’s legislation is a move in the right direction.”

H-2A visa holders are nonimmigrant foreign agricultural workers. These laborers are often utilized by Kentucky farmers for seasonal agricultural work. Kentucky is home to more than 83,000 farms, the fourth highest number of farms in the nation. Covering more than 13 million acres, farmland accounts for 54 per cent of the total acreage in Kentucky. The industry also generates billions of dollars every year for Kentucky communities.

The American Farm Bureau Federation released the following statement regarding Congressman Whitfield’s legislation:

“Farmers and ranchers want a stable, legal workforce, and an effective, workable guest worker program is a critical element in meeting that need. The H-2A program should balance the needs of employers while assuring the right of workers to a fair and equitable wage. The American Farm Bureau Federation commends Representative Whitfield for his efforts to assure balance in the program and looks forward to working with him on this important issue.”

Farm Economy

As the home of the majority of Kentucky’s family farming operations, the First District provides numerous incentives for farmers to expand and diversify their businesses. Agriculture is the lifeblood of the First District’s rural economy. I am pleased commodity prices are high and I hope that poor weather conditions do not hinder our farmers’ ability to boost farm income this year. However, as in the past when bad weather hit or commodity prices dropped, I will continue to be a tireless advocate in Congress for agriculture by ensuring agriculture commodities have adequate safety nets and access to the newest technologies.

This past Spring, the House passed, and I supported the Food and Energy Security Act of 2007, also known as the Farm Bill. This critical piece of legislation gives Kentucky farmers the support they need to provide the most inexpensive, safest, and plentiful food supply in the world.

The Farm Bill authorizes $714 billion over the next ten years to fund a wide range of U.S. agriculture and food assistance programs. The bill extends price safety nets for farmers, reauthorizes food security programs and agricultural conservation programs, expands nutrition and food aid, and provides for commodity reforms, enhanced biofuel programs, and support for rural development.

Importantly, the Farm Bill prohibits the closure or relocation of Farm Service Agency offices for the next two years, except for offices located 20 miles or less from another office. I have worked hard to stop efforts to consolidate FSA offices in Kentucky in the past, recognizing these offices as vital resources for countless farmers in the First District.

In addition to extending and modernizing federal farm programs, the Farm Bill reforms crop insurance, establishes standing disaster assistance programs for crops stricken by catastrophic natural disasters, caps benefits previously given to wealthy farmers and eliminates subsidies to non-farmers.

I understand just how important legislation like the Farm Bill is to Kentucky farmers, both as a safety net in hard times and as a framework for federal support of our farming industry. The Farm bill we passed this year will give Kentucky farmers the tools that they need to keep producing affordable products for American consumers, and for people all over the world, while bringing more money into Kentucky’s economy.

Tobacco

Tobacco is raised in almost every county in Kentucky and is critical to the Commonwealth’s economy. For that reason, I am opposed to giving the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority to regulate tobacco because of my concerns that the FDA could impose harmful regulations on our farmers without any beneficial health effect.  The health issues associated with tobacco use are widely known, and the use of tobacco by adults is a decision they will make on their own regardless of how the product is regulated on the farm. In addition, I believe that additional taxes on tobacco only hurt the farmers and the small businesses who serve the farming community.

Renewables

Farmers not only provide food and fiber to communities in the U.S. and abroad, but they have also recently been asked to help reduce America's reliance on oil. As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I have used my seat to advance ethanol and biodiesel operations in the First District. Although the renewable fuel industry is a relatively new industry, advancements in this sector will certainly be an asset to First District farmers and the U.S.  In 2007, Congress passed and the President signed into law an energy package that built upon the achievements of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.  Among several things, the 2007 Energy Bill extends and expands tax credits and incentives for biofuel, while also significantly expanding the scope of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), which mandates that a certain amount of biofuel must be used by a certain date. 

I am pleased that the First District has already proven itself to be a leader in the development and use of these fuels. The Commonwealth Agri-Energy Ethanol plant in Hopkinsville is the largest producer of bioethanol in Kentucky. Each year millions of bushels of corn will be used to produce over 30 million gallons of ethanol with plans to expand to 50 million. In addition, this facility is locally owned by two groups of farmer investors: the Kentucky Corn Growers' Association and the Hopkinsville Elevator Cooperative. I will continue working to support this industry that benefits our farmers, consumers, and environment.

The Farm Bill that Congress passed earlier this year also contains a number of provisions which promote renewable energy. The legislation directs $1 billion to fund programs that will help the renewable energy industry invest in new technologies and I am hopeful that the First Congressional District will reap some of the benefits of this investment.

Food Safety

With the outbreak of salmonella in tomatoes, contaminated wheat gluten in pet food and last year’s E. coli scare in spinach, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing entitled “Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation’s Food Supply?”  Since then I have participated in other hearings on food safety, which have forced the Food and Drug Administration to take a hard look at the safety procedures that are currently in place.

The safety and security of our food supply needs to be intensively reviewed. Through a responsible, bipartisan review we can determine the best and most effective ways to improve the safety and security of our food supply. Questions such as the importance of mandatory recalls on contaminated products, ways to improve reporting of food poisoning outbreaks, the reluctance of China to cooperate in assisting the FDA with its investigations and sufficient funding of the FDA were all raised during the hearings. In the case of funding for the FDA, I questioned why the FDA regulates 80% of the nation’s food supply while receiving only 20% of the funds to do so. The government has a responsibility to help ensure the safety of all food produced, manufactured and sold in the United States. It is imperative that we provide the FDA with all necessary resources to verify that the public’s food supply is safe and free of all diseases. Please know that I will continue to work diligently to ensure that America continues to have the safest, most affordable food supply.

Awards

As a result of my efforts in Congress, I have been given several awards which include the Kentucky Farm Bureau Friend of the Farmer Award, the 2008 Congressional Support for Science Award from the Institute of Food Technologists and a Certificate of Appreciation by the National Association of Wheat Growers. I am pleased to serve the agriculture interest as your federal representative.

Important links for farmers:

•Click below for Tobacco Buyout Information.

www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp

•Click below for information on food recalls.

www.fsis.usda.gov/Fsis_Recalls/index.asp

WASHINGTON - Continuing his efforts to protect the Commonwealth's tobacco farmers, U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01), joined by several members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation, sent two letters to leaders of the Canadian government this week cautioning against a Canadian proposal, which could have a devastating impact on the crucial Kentucky industry.

Whitfield, along with Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), Congressman Ben Chandler (KY-06), Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04) and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), sent a letter to the Honorable Marjory LeBreton, leader of the Canadian Senate, and the Honorable James Cowen, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, asking the leaders to consider the impact of legislation currently being considered which would effectively ban the export of American grown burley tobacco to Canada and violate trade agreements between the U.S. and Canada. The bill being considered in Canada, C-32, was intended to address the growing concerns over flavored tobacco products attractive to minors, but would result in a ban on American air-cured burley tobacco.

"C-32 unfairly discriminates against U.S. tobacco growers and has the potential to destroy family-owned small businesses and jobs in Kentucky," Members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation wrote. "The economic burden that could be caused by this ban could not come at a more difficult time as the American economy continues to be mired in recession. The stakes involved for American tobacco growers could not be higher."

In their letter, the Kentucky House leaders noted that if other nations were to follow Canada's lead in banning products made with burley tobacco, the market for American tobacco could become non-existent outside the U.S. Since 85 percent of burley tobacco grown in the U.S. is exported, this could put many growers out of business and devastate communities dependent on the industry.

Earlier this summer, Whitfield and several Members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation also sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking for their assistance to work with the Canadian government to address concerns with this legislation. Mr. Kirk responded and said that they will be raising this issue with the Canadian Parliament when they come back in September. Whitfield and Members of the Kentucky Delegation will be providing additional supporting data in the coming weeks to support the case for changes to C-32.

Whitfield also sent a letter this week to Canadian International Trade Minister Stockwell Day. The Congressman sent Minister Day a letter in June warning that Bill C-32 would violate a number of trade agreements with the U.S., including NAFTA, and could have a negative impact on U.S.-Canadian relations. While the Congressman was pleased to receive a response from Minister Day in response to his letter of last month, he remains committed to putting pressure on the Canadian government to modify the language in the bill to ensure that Kentucky's farmers do not lose an essential market for burley tobacco.

In the letter to Minister Day, Whitfield notes that the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade is designed in part to ensure that technical regulations are no more trade restrictive than necessary to meet a legitimate objective. The Congressman states that the Canadian Government has pointed to no evidence to support a ban on blended tobacco and proposes to adopt a far more restrictive approach than necessary to deal with the problem of tobacco products flavored to appeal to youth. For these reasons, Whitfield continues to have serious questions about whether Bill C-32 complies with Canada's international trade obligations.

Attached is a copy of the letter sent by Whitfield to Minister Day as well as the letter sent from Members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01), joined by several members of the Kentucky Congressional Delegation, stood up for the Commonwealth's tobacco farmers today, cautioning against a Canadian proposal which could have a devastating impact on the crucial Kentucky industry.

"With 8,100 tobacco farms across the Commonwealth, the industry is a critical part of the Kentucky economy," Whitfield said. "At a time when our economy is reeling, the last thing we need from our friends and allies is policies that hurt American industries and endanger jobs. I remain committed to doing all that I can to protect the Kentucky tobacco industry and the thousands of jobs associated with it."

Whitfield, along with Senator Jim Bunning, Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05), Congressman Ben Chandler (KY-06), Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04) and Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk asking for their assistance to stop legislation currently pending in the Canadian Parliament which would have a devastating impact on Kentucky tobacco growers.

The Canadian bill being considered, C-32, would effectively ban the export of American grown burley tobacco to Canada. The legislation was intended to address the growing concerns over flavored tobacco products attractive to minors, but would result in a ban on American air-cured burley tobacco, which is used to make most cigarettes of all kinds.

In their letter to Secretary Clinton and Trade Representative Kirk, Whitfield and his Kentucky Congressional colleagues expressed concerns over the impact this would have on the Commonwealth?s tobacco industry and the thousands of jobs associated with it. The legislators noted that if other nations were to follow Canada's lead in banning products made with burley tobacco, the market for American tobacco could become non-existent outside the U.S. Since 85 percent of burley tobacco grown in the U.S. is exported, this could put many growers out of business and devastate communities dependent on the industry.

Earlier this month, Whitfield sent a letter to International Trade Minister Stockwell Day warning that Bill C-32 would violate a number of trade agreements with the U.S., including NAFTA, and could have a negative impact on U.S.-Canadian relations. The Congressman is continuing to work with the Canadian Embassy to ensure his concerns are being considered by Canadian officials.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) continued his efforts to protect the nation's food supply yesterday while working to ensure Kentucky producers, grocers and convenience store owners are able to comply with new standards aimed at keeping the American public safe.

"Protecting and fostering our nation's food supply has always been, and continues to be, one of my top priorities in Congress," Whitfield said. "The government, working in conjunction with industry, has a responsibility to help ensure the safety of all food produced, manufactured and sold in the United States. However, we must make certain farmers, grocers and restaurant owners in rural areas such as Kentucky are not needlessly overburdened and have the resources they need to comply with new standards."

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, on which Whitfield serves, held a markup yesterday on H.R. 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. This legislation grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) additional authorities and resources to better ensure the safety of the nation's food supply. The bill would establish an up-to-date registry of all food facilities serving American consumers; require safety plans for fresh produce; enhance the safety of imported food and increase inspections of food facilities.

While Whitfield is supportive of many measures in the bill to protect the nation's food supply, he expressed concerns yesterday over the way this legislation would impact rural producers and grocers. Under the legislation being considered, food producers, manufacturers, processors, transporters and holders would be required to maintain comprehensive information on the origin and previous distribution history of the food. Whitfield noted that this provision would be extremely difficult for small grocers in rural areas such as Kentucky to comply with, especially those who carry products containing ingredients from multiple countries and multiple sources.

In addition, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 creates a registry of all food facilities serving American consumers. Whitfield raised questions over how small grocery stores, convenience stores and restaurants in rural areas would be able to comply with the registry. The Congressman stressed the importance of ensuring proper measures are put into place and resources made available to make certain new standards are able to be met.

Last week the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 where Whitfield raised questions over whether the legislation gave the FDA too much authority over the food industry. The bill currently states that the FDA can recall food that "may cause" harm to the public. Whitfield noted that this standard was inadequate as it could trigger an unnecessary recall of food that is not harmful. The Congressman suggested the language be changed to reflect that the FDA can recall food if there is a "reasonable probability" that it will harm the public. The bill has since been modified to address the Congressman's concerns.

Whitfield has been a long time food safety advocate in Congress, leading and participating in numerous hearings on the issue throughout the past several years. He has consistently supported policies to help keep food supplies safe and ensure the FDA has the resources necessary to safeguard the American public.

WASHINGTON - Aiming to protect Kentucky farmers and the Commonwealth's cattle industry, U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) spearheaded a letter from the Kentucky Congressional Delegation to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking for the postponement of a rule which will have a significant impact on farm operations and the disposal of deceased animals.

"Kentucky is home to over 1.1 million beef cows and ranks 5th nationally in total number of farms," Whitfield said. "While I fully support the FDA's efforts to improve food safety, I am concerned about the impact this new regulation will have on Kentucky farmers. Delaying the implementation of this ruling will give farmers the time they need to meet the requirements set forth and allow the FDA to collect more information on the far-reaching consequences of this rule."

Whitfield, along with Representatives Harold Rogers (KY-05), Ben Chandler (KY-06), Geoff Davis (KY-04), John Yarmuth (KY-03) and Brett Guthrie (KY-02), sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration Joshua Sharfstein. In the letter, the Delegation expressed support for the 60 day delay of the "Substance Prohibited From Use in Animal Food or Feed" final regulation. This rule will require the removal of Specific Risk Material (SRMs) from deceased animals, which will have a serious impact on the disposal of dead stock within the Commonwealth.

Currently, deceased cattle are disposed of by rendering companies, who often turn the remains into marketable products such as animal feed, at little to no cost to farmers. However, this new FDA regulation will no longer allow rendering companies to use the brains and spinal cords from cattle 30 months of age or older in animal feeds. The process of removing the brains and spinal cords proves extremely difficult and costly and therefore leaves farmers with very few options to dispose of cattle.

Due to the large cattle presence in the Commonwealth, the Kentucky Congressional Delegation insists there must be a plan in place to dispose of deceased animals before implementation of this regulation. Without a plan many farmers may be forced to improperly dispose of animals, presenting both a public health threat and an environmental hazard.

WASHINGTON - Recognizing his strong support of farmers and the agriculture industry in Kentucky, U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) received his ninth consecutive "Friend of Farm Bureau" award today in Washington, D.C.

"Farming is an integral part of the culture and economy here in the First Congressional District," Whitfield said. "Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been pleased to advocate on behalf of Kentucky farmers and I am honored to receive this award."

Whitfield received the award from members of the Kentucky Farm Bureau who were in Washington, DC attending their annual conference. The award is given to Members of Congress who have supported legislation important to the farming community and who have been responsive to the needs of farmers.

Whitfield has long been a staunch supporter of local farmers and the agriculture industry. Last year, Whitfield worked to get the Farm Bill reauthorized, which will provide $714 billion over the next ten years to fund a wide range of U.S. agriculture and food assistance programs. The bill extended price safety nets for farmers, reauthorized food security programs and agricultural conservation programs, expanded nutrition and food aid and provided for commodity reforms, enhanced biofuel programs and support for rural development.