Agriculture

DelBene Works to Expand Washington Dairy Exports

| Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today led a bipartisan group of twenty Members in urging Canada to finally commit to open its markets to more dairy imports as talks over the trade agreement draw to a close. They sent a letter to the Canadian Ambassador to the United States outlining their position following a productive meeting with the U.S. Trade Representative on…

Lawmakers push USDA and EPA to get in sync on bee health

| Posted in In the News

May 13, 2015 -- Rep. Rodney Davis, chairman of the House Agriculture subcommittee on biotechnology, horticulture and research, said lawmakers are concerned about a lack of communication between USDA and EPA, particularly regarding issues on pollinator health. “We see a disagreement between agencies that are supposed to be working together,” the Illinois Republican said today…

How 4-H members are bridging the farmer-consumer gap

| Posted in In the News

A group of 4-H members shared their passions about the future of agriculture with the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research today and emphasized why it's more important than ever before to build “bridges” between rural and urban residents. The 17 young people, delegates to the National 4-H Conference, came from states as small in land…

DelBene Visits FareStart, Touts $200 Million Job-Training Program

| Posted in Press Releases

SEATTLE – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today visited FareStart, an eligible recipient for part of the $22 million job-training pilot program she secured for Washington state. DelBene met with students who could benefit from the pilot program. “Helping people find good-paying, long-term employment in a high demand industry is the best way to ensure everyone has access…

DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Support Specialty Crops

| Posted in Press Releases

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, blueberries, potatoes or any number of different fruits and vegetables grown by our local farmers,…

DelBene Program Brings Washington $22 Million for Job-Training

| Posted in Press Releases

As a result of Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s (WA-01) bill, which was included in the Farm Bill, Washington state received $22 million to conduct a pilot program that will help those most in-need of finding stable employment. “Helping people find good-paying, long-term employment in a high demand industry is the best way to ensure everyone has access to economic…

McDermott, DelBene Introduce Bill to Fix Critical Oversight in SNAP Program

| Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA) yesterday introduced legislation that would prevent an estimated 1 million Americans from losing their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits next year due to a policy oversight in the SNAP work requirement. The SNAP Work Opportunity Act (H.R. 1025) would ensure that residents in states that cannot…

DelBene Selected as Top Democrat on Agriculture Subcommittee

| Posted in Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) was selected to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research. “I look forward to leading this important subcommittee and hearing innovative ideas from farmers, ranchers and researchers,” DelBene said. “People rarely link technology with farming, but it is vital…

USDA grant provides funds to help Farm-to-School sales

| Posted in In the News

MOUNT VERNON — The Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network, a Mount Vernon-based agricultural advocacy organization, recently received a $88,444 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help jump-start purchases of fresh local produce by schools. Executive Director Ellen Gray said the two-year grant will partially support three staff members who will help…

DelBene Announces Federal Funds to Boost Local Farm-to-School Programs

| Posted in Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) announced that the Washington Sustainable Food & Farming Network has been awarded $88,444 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support its efforts to connect school cafeterias with local farmers and growers. The grant is part of USDA’s Farm to School Program. “As schools do more to provide healthy, nutritious food for…