Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted today in favor of the Conference Report on H.R. 2997 - the 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.  The bill included provisions that would benefit farms in Washington state’s 2nd Congressional district.  The legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 263 to 162.

“Washington state’s unique and diverse agriculture industry is a critical part of our economy,” said Larsen. “Our region produces hundreds of commodities – creating jobs, feeding families and contributing $726 million to the economy in the 2nd Congressional District each year.

In addition, Larsen applauded language in the bill that would allow the importation of processed poultry or poultry products from China after passing USDA inspection and after the Secretary of Agriculture notifies Congress that certain safety conditions were met.

“In the current economic climate, trade is critical for ensuring a robust economic recovery and avoiding protectionism,” said Larsen.  “This provision is a win for the U.S.-China relationship and the American consumer.”

“Trade between the U.S. and China is vitally important to Washington state.  Since 2006, China has been Washington state's largest and most rapidly growing export market.”

“Investing in Washington state agriculture helps local producers compete with farms across the state and around the world and helps make our economy stronger for the future.”

The legislation includes the following funding secured by Larsen:

Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Facility in Pullman
$3.74 million for a United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Services (ARS) facility located in Pullman, WA to provide ARS scientists with state-of-the-art research facilities.  A new USDA-ARS facility, fully integrated with the Washington State University Life Science/Biotechnology complex, will provide modern laboratories and equipment to conduct agriculture research to keep Northwest growers competitive in the global market. Agriculture is a top employer in Washington state. More than $14.8 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports last year, the third largest total in the U.S.

Organic Cropping
$264,000 for research into priorities identified by Northwest organic farmers including developing wheat varieties for organic systems, seed treatments for organic vegetable production, and studying economic trends in organic production. Several of these projects have the potential to advance sustainable agriculture on a national scale. There are nearly 700 certified organic farms in Washington state. Washington state is second in the nation in “farmgate” sales of organic products directly from the producer with $159.8 million sold.

Pacific Northwest Small Fruit Center
$307,000 for research into plant breeding, pest management, genetic research, and processing methods for small fruits.  The Center helps Northwest farmers integrate scientific research into their farming and processing.  Research done by the Center is focused on profitable and environmentally-responsible farming and production practices. Washington state leads the country in raspberry production and is a leading producer of other berries and grapes as well. In 2007, Washington raised 55 million pounds of red raspberries valued at $27.9 million.

Protecting the Pacific Northwest Grape and Wine Industry from Plant Viruses
$260,000 to combat the presence or spread of devastating plant viruses affecting the grape and wine industry.  The Washington state wine, grape and grape juice industries provide approximately 19,000 jobs and contribute $ 3 billion annually to the state’s economy.  Washington is the largest producer of juice grapes and the second largest producer of premium wine grapes in the United States. Around 900 Pacific Northwest wineries depend upon the production of quality wine grapes. This project would help to ensure that planting materials entering the Northwest are virus-free, that our vineyards remain virus-free, and that we prolong the longevity of the industry.

Potato Breeding Lines for Biotic and Abiotic Yield
$61,000 for ongoing research at the Agriculture Research Service facility in Prosser to develop and evaluate new varieties of potatoes with special attention to disease, pest, and stress resistance, as well as yield and quality characteristics. This funding supports cooperative research with Washington State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Idaho to evaluate the genetics of seeds provided to farmers to help them plant potato crops that will succeed in their unique soil and weather conditions. (Biotic refers to living stressors, such as fungi or insects, while abiotic refers to non-living stressors, such as intense sunlight, wind or flooding) Research done in this program has a direct impact on growers throughout the region, and provides for the profitable and sustainable production of potatoes. Washington state is the second largest producer of potatoes in the U.S., producing 23 percent of all domestic potatoes.  The potato industry in Washington state directly and indirectly generates over $3.4 billion annually and creates over 20,000 jobs.  

Potato Research
$1.436 million for research to develop and commercialize new potato varieties that benefit all segments of the Northwest potato industry. These funds are critical for sustaining the potato industry and providing a healthy, inexpensive food supply for American consumers. New potato varieties help improve quality, bring increased yield, and require less fertilizer and pesticide, increasing profitability and lessening environmental impact. Washington is the second largest producer of potatoes in the U.S., producing 23 percent of all U.S. potatoes.  The potato industry directly and indirectly generates over $3.4 billion throughout the Washington economy annually and creates over 20,000 jobs in the state.

Washington Agricultural Competitiveness
$469,000 million to identify and expand international trade opportunities and domestic marketing opportunities for Washington state agricultural products. Washington state's $42 billion food and agriculture industry employs 160,000 people and contributes 13% percent to the state's economy.  More than $14.8 billion in food and agricultural products were exported through Washington ports last year, the third largest total in the U.S.  Exporting Washington agricultural goods to foreign nations and marketing our products in new domestic markets will support this important industry and create new jobs across the state.

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