WTO ruling on India poultry ban helps Delaware producers

The World Trade Organization has announced that it will allow a case brought by the U.S. against India’s trade restrictions on poultry, pork, and other products to move forward. India attempted to have the U.S. complaint dismissed on technical grounds, but World Trade Organization (WTO) adjudicators ruled in favor of the U.S.

The ruling is an important victory for Delaware’s poultry industry, which supports more than 13,000 jobs and contributes more than $3.2 billion to the state economy. Senator Coons praised the work of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to challenge India’s longstanding, non-scientifically based trade policies against U.S. poultry.

Since 2007, India has formally banned imports of various agricultural products from the U.S., supposedly to prevent outbreaks of avian influenza in India. India instituted this ban despite the fact that the U.S. has not had an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza since 2004. India's trade policies have not conformed to the scientifically based World Organization for Animal Health standards on avian influenza. American poultry producers, including Delaware’s, adhere to these globally recognized standards of food production.

At the end of 2011, Senator Coons, together with a bipartisan group of 20 other Senators, sent a letter to USTR Ambassador Ron Kirk urging the Administration to resolve longstanding, non-scientifically based policies. He is thrilled that USTR has taken up the mantle to champion this issue for American poultry businesses.

After bilateral talks and consultations between the United States and India failed to produce a resolution, the case moved to the dispute panel settlement stage earlier this year. A WTO panel was established in February 2013 to directly rule on the U.S. claims, and in March, India filed its request to dismiss the complaint based on technical flaws.

Last May, at the invitation of Senator Coons, Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao visited Delaware. She met with Delaware poultry companies, as well as state and federal agriculture officials, and visited the University of Delaware College of Agriculture’s Allen Lab for poultry science research. Senator Coons was proud to welcome the Ambassador to Delaware and show her first-hand the high quality and integrity of Delaware’s poultry businesses and research institutions.

The National Chicken Council estimates that U.S. poultry exports to India could exceed $300 million annually if appropriate, fair market access was provided in accordance with India's obligations as a member of the WTO. 

Senator Coons' international food aid amendment adopted by Senate

The Senate’s farm bill, passed today, is the primary piece of legislation that establishes United States agricultural and food policy. The 2013 farm bill was strengthened by an amendment introduced by Senator Coons and Senator Johanns, and adopted by a voice vote, that bolsters our international food aid program.  The Coons-Johanns Amendment increases the funding authorization for The Local and Regional Procurement Program, a successful initiative that expedites aid to populations affected by acute and chronic hunger. The increase in funding for the program — from $40 million to $60 million per year — will improve efficiency while supporting the development of food markets in low-income countries.

The Local and Regional Procurement Program is based on a pilot program of the 2008 farm bill to test projects that could get food aid to hungry populations faster and more efficiently. The program accomplishes this by sourcing food in communities and regions closest to those in need. Chris’ amendment improves upon this effort by increasing flexibility for aid providers to use locally and regionally purchased food, an important aspect of U.S. food assistance. The amendment had the backing of over twenty groups, including Oxfam America and Partners in Health.

Senator Coons stresses importance of rural economy at summit in Washington

Senator Chris Coons, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, participated in a half-day summit on Thursday on issues of importance to rural communities across our nation. The event was hosted by the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee and featured two moderated panels focused on rural economics, infrastructure, and access to critical services.

The panel highlighted the economic conditions facing rural communities and the agriculture industry, and what role the federal government can play in ensuring long-term support for the communities. Issues discussed during the summit include the importance of investing in the health of farmland, natural resources, and infrastructure. Another topic of discussion was connecting our farmers and ranchers with consumers, including individuals, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

“Our rural communities are central to our identity, our economy, and our values,” Chris said. “Between our agriculture sector, environmental conservation, and tourism, it’s no surprise that Delaware’s rural communities are thriving. It’s important that we continue to facilitate an open dialogue between our rural communities and our elected officials to ensure we aren’t hindering their growth and development. I thank the members of the University of Delaware for attending today’s event and sharing their views on how we can strengthen our state’s rural areas.”

More than 200 rural development advocates attended the summit, including Mark Reiger, Dean of the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Delaware; Michelle Rodgers, Cooperative Extension Director, University of Delaware; and Melanie Allen, student, University of Delaware.

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee is dedicated to fostering dialogue between Senate Democrats and community leaders from across the nation. The Steering Committee hosts regular meetings each year with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate.

Video: Senator Coons calls for protecting our local poultry

U.S. Senator Chris Coons spoke on the Senate floor on Tuesday to talk about the importance of protecting and strengthening our local poultry industries.

Sen. Coons welcomes participants at UD poultry program

Senator Coons visited the University of Delaware on Monday to welcome participants at the Emergency Poultry Disease Response Certificate Program (EPDR). The program runs from June 18 to June 21 and features a consortium of local and international scientists and policy makers.

“This program involves cooperation among all levels of government, as well as commercial producers, backyard flock owners and top-flight research universities,” Chris said. “This is how we get things done in Delaware, and I’m proud we are working to share our knowledge and experience with poultry growers in other countries around the world.”

Chris is an outspoken supporter of Delaware’s poultry farmers. Last week, he joined with Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) to introduce an amendment to the farm bill currently being considered by the Senate that would commission studies on the practicality of insurance policies for farmers in case of a catastrophic event like a poultry company bankruptcy or poultry disease outbreak.

The EPDR Certificate Program is a four-day certificate course taught at the University of Delaware. Participants have the opportunity to learn about emergency procedures developed by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, University of Delaware faculty and agriculture industry professionals for outbreaks of poultry disease. The program also works to help foster closer ties between the United States, foreign officials and poultry industry professionals. This year’s attendees include a global roster of attendees representing countries such as Uganda, Bolivia, Israel and Japan.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work on agriculture.

Click here to learn more about the University of Delaware’s EPDR program.

Senator Coons recognizes 150 years of USDA

On May 15, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation to create the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which he called “The People’s Department.”  At the time, nearly half of all Americans lived on farms, compared with only about 2 percent today.  However, agriculture continues to be a cornerstone of our American heritage and a major driving force in our economy, with more than 2.2 billion acres of farmland across the United States and one in twelve jobs linked to agriculture or forestry.

One hundred and fifty years later, the USDA remains a department of the people.  The department’s work on a broad range of issues – from international trade and economic development, next generation energy development and technological innovation, natural resource conservation and recreation, food safety and nutrition, to research and science – touches nearly every aspect of American life.

Agriculture is a vital force in Delaware’s economy and remains an integral part of our community.  In 2008, agriculture in Delaware contributed nearly $8 billion to the economy and supported roughly 30,000 jobs.  Sussex County, the birthplace of the modern poultry industry, produces more chickens than any other county in the United States.  Delaware also has the highest percentage of preserved, productive farmland of any state in the nation.  In addition, the University of Delaware, which was designated as one of the nation’s historic Land Grant colleges in 1867, is conducting cutting edge research, providing critical services, and participating in vital partnerships with Delaware’s agriculture sector.

Senator Coons congratulates the USDA on a fantastic first 150 years and looks forward to continuing to work together to address our nation’s agricultural challenges.

Meeting with the Delaware Farm Bureau

Senator Chris Coons met with members of the Delaware Farm Bureau on Tuesday to discuss the past, present, and future of Delaware’s agricultural sector. Senator Tom Carper and Representative John Carney were also in attendance.

During the meeting, Chris highlighted some of his current work to advance Delaware’s agriculture, including his support for reauthorization of the farm bill. Chris is very supportive of conservation programs in the farm bill, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and is working to protect funding for them. He is also a cosponsor of Senator Debbie Stabenow’s Grow it Here, Make it Here Biobased Manufacturing Act, which would help expand the advanced biofuels and bio-based manufacturing industries, using agricultural goods to make value-added products and create jobs.

Additionally, Chris discussed his recent visit to Cuba and Colombia in February with several other members of Congress where he promoted Delaware products, including poultry, soybeans, and soft red winter wheat.

The Farm Bureau meeting occurred on the same day as an announcement by the White House to sharpen efforts to protect the U.S. poultry industry and ensure fair trade policies with India. Chris was a leader in the Senate on this issue, leading a bipartisan group of 19 senators on a letter to United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk urging him to resolve India’s longstanding, non-scientifically based restrictions on American poultry.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work for supporting and expanding Delaware agriculture.

Video: Senator Coons on the nomination of Michael Scuse

Senator Coons introduced Delawarean Michael Scuse at a hearing for his nomination to be the Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and his nomination to serve on the Board of Directors of the Commodity Credit Corporation at the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry earlier today.

Senator Coons checks out solar-powered farm

BRIDGEVILLE, Del. — In a visit Tuesday to the T.S. Smith & Sons’ farm in Bridgeville — the only solar-powered Century Farm in Delaware — Chris reiterated his commitment to helping small agricultural businesses integrate renewable energy into their operations. Senator Coons has introduced legislation that would extend the federal renewable-energy program that financed part of the T.S. Smith & Sons solar project.

“T.S. Smith & Sons is a pioneer in sustainable agriculture and a leader in Delaware’s farming community,” Chris said. “I’m sure Thomas Sterling Smith would be proud of the investments his great-grandsons have made to ensure that their farm remains a profitable, sustainable, and environmentally sound business. That’s why I feel so strongly about supporting the extension of the successful 1603 Treasury Grants Program to help businesses finance alternative energy resources. Without this kind of program, farms like these would have much greater difficulty financing clean energy investments.”

First introduced as part of the American Recovery Act of 2009, the U.S. Treasury Department’s 1603 Program is used to reimburse eligible businesses for a portion of the cost of installing specified energy projects. A one-year extension of the 1603 Program is a key part of Senator Coons’ Job Creation Through Innovation Act, which he introduced in April.

After meeting with representatives from Solair Energy at the University of Delaware’s 2010 Agriculture Week, the Smith family decided it wanted to pursue investments in solar energy on its farm. In May 2011, the farm publicly unveiled 178 ground-mounted Solair solar panels that were manufactured at Motech Solar’s plant in Newark. The solar panels produce around 43 kw of power, drastically reducing the farm’s $25,000 annual electric bill.

“The fact that T.S. Smith & Sons is running on solar panels that were manufactured in Delaware is a great testament to the strength of the renewable energy sector in our state,” Chris said. “I look forward to continuing my work with members of Delaware’s energy community to encourage more businesses powered by clean energy to set-up shop in the First State and bring good-quality jobs to our communities.”

Founded in 1907 by Thomas Sterling Smith, T.S. Smith & Sons is an 800-acre farm that grows a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, selling them to retail locations and restaurants in the surrounding area. The current, fourth-generation owners are: Matt, Charlie and Tom Smith and Susan Hayes. In addition to solar power, the farm makes a conscious effort to employ technologies that conserve water and soil.

Click here to learn what’s new at T.S. Smith & Sons.

Click here to learn more about Chris’ work for Delaware’s agriculture community.

Bipartisan agriculture research bill will drive American agricultural innovation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons joined eight of his colleagues in introducing the bipartisan   Charitable Agricultural Research Act, which will spur new agricultural research, leveraging private dollars to create charitable partnerships between universities and private entities to strengthen and improve American agriculture. The bill amends the tax code to allow for the creation of a new type of charitable, tax-exempt organization, agricultural research organizations, similar to medical research organizations which have been in existence since the 1950s

“In order for our rural communities to remain vibrant and sustainable, we must invest in agricultural research,” Chris said. “Partnering university research with private sector innovation allows both our institutions and industries to work collaboratively to grow our economy. I am pleased that I could join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to fight for the future of one of America’s most important economic sectors, our farming industry.”

Over the last 60 years, agricultural research has expanded food production significantly. According to the USDA Economic Research Service, farm productivity has risen 158% since 1948; this increase can be largely attributed to research, through the implementation of improved farming practices and the use of new agricultural technologies. Today, the United States produces $312 billion in agricultural products and exports $108 billion annually.

However, agricultural scientists warn that failing to invest in agricultural research could spell disaster for the future of American food security and safety. Agricultural research funding has become stagnant and has fallen far behind other federal agencies since the 1970s. The Charitable Agricultural Research Act seeks to address these challenges by creating agricultural research organizations (AROs) that would work in conjunction with agricultural and land-grant colleges and universities to conduct research in the field of agriculture. To accomplish this, a new section allowing for donations to agricultural research would be added immediately below the portion of the current tax code that provides for charitable contributions to medical research organizations.

Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and John Thune (R-SD) are the lead sponsors of the bill. Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is a cosponsor.

To learn more about Senator Coons’ work to protect America’s agriculture, click here.