Sanford Bishop

I was stunned to hear you say that you have had some funding issues with respect to the Farm Service Agency.

My concern is that in spite of that and the valiant efforts that both Congress, the agency, as well as some of our states like Georgia have done to try to fortify the farmers that were suffering, particularly from the natural disasters…

I am afraid that the initial retaliatory tariffs did permanent, or at least long-term damage.

I am concerned about how your relocation of ERS and NIFA is proceeding.

My concern is I have asked some of the folks in Texas, and they are not familiar with the 10-20-30 program.

It seems particularly cruel.

The Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents Rule is set to go into effect in three weeks, and it will take SNAP away from 700,000 people.

I just want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your efforts in that regard.

I continue to say that American agriculture is the best in the industrialized world, that we do continue to produce the highest quality, the safest, and most abundant and the most economical food and fiber anywhere in the industrialized…

How have these funds allowed your office to focus more on FDA, and what activities have you been able to support that otherwise might not have been done?

Since 2015, the subcommittee has provided you with $1.5 million with the direction that it be transferred to specifically focus on oversight issues related to FDA.

More than 60 percent of drug manufacturers for the U.S. market are located overseas, and 80 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients are manufactured overseas

The annual report notes that today there are high capital demands of agriculture and new entrants require affordable and dependable credit.

Well, I'm given to understand that with the trade mitigation payments that the administration has made over the last year, that a large amount of that money has gone to alternative lenders for repayment of their loans.

It is important that we unpack this as well.

I would like to look closely at the financial relationship between the USDA and the Farm Credit system as we begin to develop this year's appropriations bill.

I recognize that we have had a number of good years, and an increase in bankruptcy from a very low level. It is still a problem, but it has to be put in context.

We need to know if there are any warning signs on the horizon, and to know if Congress needs to act in preparation for any threat coming to the farm economy.

Farm bankruptcies are at their highest levels since 2011.

There have been some positive developments, such as the signing of the phase one of the China Trade Deal.

We look forward to working with you as you continue the fiscal year 2021 appropriations process.

Thank you, Ms. Fong, Ms. Coffey, Mr. Harden, Mr. Paradis, for being here today.

It appears as if they end up being delayed unnecessarily in getting the results that they need to help their people.

I just wish we had more resources to apply to ag research because ag research is the reason why we are able to produce the highest quality, the safest, and most abundant and most economical food and fiber anywhere in the world.

Miss Gonzalez-Colon has done a tremendous job of informing the Congress, representing the people of Puerto Rico...