Agriculture

Dear Friend, Agriculture is a vital, thriving part of Washington state’s economy. The First Congressional District has more than 4,000 farms that supply restaurants, markets and our local communities. That’s why I introduced legislation this week, along with Rep. Rick Larsen, to amend the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, providing $2.5 million annually to support research for berry and grape crops. My bill gives Washington small fruit farmers the resources they need to develop and implement n... Read more

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced legislation that would amend the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to provide $2.5 million annually to support research for berry and grape crops. This funding would address the challenges and emerging needs for Washington state farmers. “Agriculture is a vital, thriving part of Washington state’s economy. The First Congressional District has more than 4,000 farms that supply restaurants, markets and our local communities.... Read more

Today, Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Representative Dave Reichert (WA-08), Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) led a bipartisan group of Members of Congress from Washington State urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Robert Lighthizer, to address retaliation by our trading partners in response to the Administration’s placement of tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum. The letter high... Read more

Dear Friend, Ensuring people have access to local and nutritious foods is an absolute necessity. Recently, I met with local nutrition advocates and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to talk about the importance of protecting nutrition programs in the upcoming farm bill. It’s important to remember that these investments not only have an incredibly positive effect on our economy, but also on people’s lives. During negotiations of the last farm bill, I successfully added a... Read more

Families snacked on fresh picked carrots and pear or sampled their own harvest from grapevines and apple trees Saturday at the Sno Valley Tilt Farm Faire at Jubilee Farm. The event, an introduction to local and sustainable food for many children in the large crowd, is an annual fundraiser for Tilth. Highlights of Saturday’s festivities included a farm scavenger hunt, hay rides, and a greased pole climbing challenge. U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, of Washington’s 1st District also spoke at the... Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Representative Dave Reichert (WA-08), and Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led a bipartisan group of members of Congress urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to abandon a proposal to establish a trade remedy provision for perishable and seasonal products that would harm the competiveness of fruit and vegetable growers in Washington state and Oregon. The provision is being considered as a part of the North American ... Read more

Today, September 20, 2017 U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Representative Dave Reichert (WA-08), and Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) led a bipartisan group of members of Congress urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to abandon a proposal to establish a trade remedy provision for perishable and seasonal products that would harm the competiveness of fruit and vegetable growers in Washington state and Oregon. The provision is being considered as a part of the North American ... Read more

Proposed cuts to U.S. rural business grants has some Whatcom County farmers worried about what that will mean for the local economy. The cuts being proposed by President Donald Trump’s administration include eliminating funding for the value-added producer grant, which goes directly to farmers for economic development, said David Bauermeister, executive director at the Northwest Agriculture Business Center. It’s a significant source of funding in this region, with 15 projects in northwest Washin... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Work Opportunity Act to ensure those looking for work don’t lose vital nutrition assistance. “Eliminating nutrition assistance for people trying to find work doesn’t help if jobs are not available,” DelBene said. “The SNAP Work Opportunity Act would protect – not punish – these individuals. By helping people find good-paying, long-term employment in a high-demand industry we can ensure ever... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting specialty crops, highlighting the vital role they play in America’s agricultural industry and calling for increased support of specialty crop programs. “Whether it’s red raspberries, spinach, potatoes or any number of different fruits and vegetables grown by our local farmers, specialty crops play a critical part in western Washington’s economy,” DelBene said. “This resolution is an acknowledgement of the si... Read more