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[Pages H7870-H7871]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPAND MARKETS FOR AMERICAN DAIRY
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last month, I had the
pleasure of hosting U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for a
dairy and agriculture summit in Pennsylvania's 15th District at Mount
Aloysius College in Cresson, Pennsylvania.
Joining the Secretary and I was Gary Groves, Executive Director of
the USDA Pennsylvania Farm Service
[[Page H7871]]
Agency; Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
secretary; and my colleagues Representative John Joyce and
Representative Fred Keller, among others.
The purpose of the event was to learn from our farm families about
what is working, what is not, and where they need support the most. It
was a privilege to host so many hardworking dairy farmers and to learn
from their experiences.
It is important that there are resources available to help the dairy
industry strengthen and grow. At the summit, we discussed these
resources, like the USDA's new Dairy Margin Coverage Program. Programs
like these are strengthening the safety net for farm families
everywhere nationwide.
This revamped, voluntary program is one of the many tools available
to dairy farmers around the Nation that offers more options, more
flexibility, and a better return on investment.
Our Nation's farmers are always working hard. Owning and operating a
farm is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. No matter where you are from, a
strong agricultural industry benefits each and every one of our lives.
Of course, the hard work of these men and women would be lost without
strong market opportunities. We must do more to expand opportunities
for American dairy products, both domestically and internationally.
That means making pending trade agreements like the USMCA a reality
by bringing it to a vote in the immediate future because Pennsylvania
deserves freer markets, fairer trade, and increased economic
opportunity.
As the Commonwealth's number one industry, the importance of a strong
agricultural sector cannot be overstated. As the largest sector of the
Pennsylvania agricultural industry, dairy production remains critical.
USMCA brings good news for dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and across
the country, thanks to the elimination of Canada's class 6 and class 7
dairy pricing, which has unfairly limited our export potential.
Our agricultural industry, particularly our dairy farmers, are the
backbone of Pennsylvania's economy, and their success directly impacts
the well-being of the Commonwealth.
Passing USMCA is long overdue. It is time to signal to our Nation's
farmers, manufacturers, small business owners, and two closest trade
partners that we are serious about securing a bright future for
American exports.
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