Agriculture

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

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today helped lead a bipartisan group of colleagues in writing to President Trump, urging the administration to hold Canada accountable for its trade commitments in the dairy sector when renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canada recently changed its dairy policies making it difficult for U.S. farmers to export a variety of dairy products. The change potentially violates Canada’s existing trade commitments to the United States and re... Read more

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today joined Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Glenn Thompson (PA-05) to reintroduce the Timber Innovation Act – bipartisan, bicameral legislation that aims to find new and innovative uses for wood as a building material. The legislation will accelerate the research and development of wood for use in construction projects, focusing on the... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene spent an hour volunteering at the Sky Valley Food Bank in Monroe recently, passing out food during its Wednesday morning distribution service. DelBene has been an advocate for food insecurity programs during her time in Congress. Although committee appointments have not been finalized for the 2017 Congress, DelBene has served on the House Agriculture Committee for four years, including work on the nutrition subcommittee. Food assistance programs like the Supplemental ... Read more

MONROE – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today visited a local elementary school classroom, as part of the Choose My Plate program to teach students about the variety of healthy foods grown nearby. DelBene spoke with two fourth grade classrooms about the importance of eating local, healthy foods. “We are fortunate in the First District to have farmers who grow some of the best food in the world. If kids know where their food comes from, they are more likely to be passionate and connected to ... Read more

MOUNT VERNON – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement to award the Northwest Agriculture Business Center a $200,000 Rural Cooperative Development Grant. “I’m pleased to see the Northwest Agriculture Business Center receive this vital funding to help grow the rural economy of Skagit Valley. Our rural communities help create jobs, especially when provided with innovative tools like cooperative development grants,” DelBene said. “C... Read more

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today highlighted the importance of targeted education for those on nutrition assistance during a House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition hearing examining the success of employment and job-training programs. “Helping people find good-paying, long-term employment in a high-demand industry is the best way to ensure everyone has access to economic opportunities,” DelBene said. “I’m so pleased the pilot programs I authored in the Farm Bill are testing innova... Read more