Political Quotes

“as expected, Chairman Cochran and Senator Kohl have once again crafted an excellent Agriculture Appropriations bill that benefits not only the State of Washington, but natural resource dependent communities and rural economies all across the nation. For my own State of Washington, this equates to more than $5 million in essential research programs for wheat, apples, asparagus, animal diseases, small fruits, barley and potatoes to name a few. I have long advocated for increased emphasis on agriculture research, noting that projects such as these advance the development of new technology, generate healthy food systems, promote environmentally sound growing practices, and maintain the U.S. dominance in agriculture production. Also included in the legislation are the indispensable relief funds necessary to ensure the longevity of the once highly profitable and prosperous tree fruit industry in Washington. The $138 million in direct payments to apple producers will provide necessary short-term relief favored by Washington's orchardists. The cranberry industry, lesser known to most but still one of the hardest hit in the agriculture economy, will also benefit from $50 million in relief. In response to the other natural disasters that have plagued our nation, $3.4 billion in emergency spending is included for farmers and rural areas that have already experienced continued low farm commodity prices.”