Lois Capps: “I rise today in support of Agriculture Risk Protection Act Conference Report. This bill provides important support for…”

“I rise today in support of Agriculture Risk Protection Act Conference Report. This bill provides important support for our Nation's farmers an ensures that Americans will have a steady, affordable food supply. I want to address an issue that is of particular importance to my district--the spread of Pierce's Disease. I am pleased that this bill includes much-needed funding to combat Pierce's disease and the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter which spread it. This disease is having a devastating effect on California vintners, and needs to be brought under control before it does even greater damage. Although outbreaks in my district have been limited, recent sightings of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter are very worrisome. Just the other day eggs of the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter were found on plants at two northern San Luis Obispo County nurseries. While we have been experimenting with different ways to combat Pierce's Disease, currently there is no known cure. Central Coast wine grape growers are banding together and contributing funds to fight this disease. We in the federal government need to support these efforts.”