WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus, joined Appropriations Committee members Thursday to approve an FY15 agriculture appropriations bill that supports key programs for Delaware farmers, poultry growers, and the Port of Wilmington. The bill will now move to the Senate floor for consideration.

“From Sussex County’s vibrant poultry industry to fresh bananas shipped through the Port of Wilmington, Delaware plays a vital role in feeding America’s families,” Senator Coons said. “In partnership with farmers, states, and the private sector, USDA programs support our hardworking farmers and poultry growers and ensure our food supply remains the safest in the world. This bill supports USDA programs that will protect Delaware’s poultry growers from disease and catastrophic loss, and help farmers continue their conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. The bill also supports updated regulations that will ensure the Port of Wilmington remains North America’s leading fresh fruit importer. I’m pleased the Committee has approved this important legislation, and look forward to working with my colleagues to see it become law.”

Throughout the appropriations process, including during Subcommittee negotiations, Senator Coons has fought for a number of Delaware priorities that were included in the bill approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday. They are highlighted below: 

Conservation

Includes strong funding for farm bill conservation programs, including the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Since 2008, conservation programs have borne a significant share of the deficit reduction burden, enduring nearly $3.2 billion in cuts. In April, Senator Coons led a letter to the Committee signed by 26 senators advocating against cuts to any of these programs in the FY15 bill. In an improvement over previous years, all but one received funding level with the President’s budget request. A recent USDA report shows that conservation practices adopted by farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed have significantly reduced nutrient pollution since 2006.

Poultry

Includes more than $52 million for USDA Avian Health programs that work in partnership with states and universities to monitor, prevent, and control the spread of diseases in the commercial poultry industry. Senator Coons advocated against cuts to these important programs, and the Committee complied, increasing funding for Avian Health programs by more than half a million dollars.

Supports implementation of a farm bill provision authored by Senator Coons and Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) to assist poultry growers during uncertain economic times. The Coons-Chambliss provision commissions a pair of studies on the feasibility of insurance programs to protect America’s poultry growers from catastrophic loss, such as disease outbreaks, and from bankruptcies of poultry integrators. More here: http://1.usa.gov/1iHs1rb

Port of Wilmington

Supports expediting approval of new proposed USDA user fee regulations that will ensure imported, perishable fruits and vegetables receive timely inspections during busy seasons. The Port of Wilmington is the continent’s leading importer of bananas and fresh fruit. New proposed regulations will allow private companies to pay overtime costs for the Port’s agriculture inspectors to ensure adequate staffing during their busiest import seasons. Senator Coons has pushed for reforms to update USDA's current outdated regulations and advocated for inclusion of supportive language in the FY15 appropriations bill.

Food Aid

Includes $35 million in flexible funding for international food aid programs that will allow USAID and NGOs providing food aid to reach 200,000 more people a year. Senator Coons, a leading advocate for food aid reform, supported an amendment in Committee that restored this funding, which had been cut from the original FY15 appropriations bill.