Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and fellow members of the House Agriculture Committee will hold a public field hearing in Yakima, WA on Saturday, June 10th.  The Committee is holding hearings across the country to give growers and producers the opportunity to weigh in on the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill.  This bill authorizes a range of programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture including commodity, trade, conservation, credit, agricultural research, nutrition and marketing.

Larsen released the following statement in advance of the field hearing:

“As the only Member of Congress from Washington state on the House Agriculture Committee, I worked hard to bring this field hearing to our state. 

“Washington State has a unique and diverse agriculture industry.  Agriculture in our state is not dominated by any one crop, nor is it dominated by any one region. 

“Washington State growers and producers produce hundreds of commodities.  While apples, dairy, wheat, beef cattle and potatoes make up the top five agricultural commodities produced in the state - many other crops are vital to our region. 

“I am pleased that the Agriculture Committee will have an opportunity to hear from producers in our state and I am confident this feedback will assist the Committee as we begin writing the Farm Bill for 2007. 

“As the agriculture industry grows and changes, Congress must continue to invest in innovation to increase competitiveness.  We must give farmers the tools they need to add value to their products and we must promote ways for our agriculture producers to benefit from increase export opportunities.  Trade is crucial to the long-term success of agriculture in Washington State and across the nation.

Washington state ranks first in the nation in the production of apples, pears, sweet cherries, concord grapes, hops, lentils and red raspberries; and third in the production of specialty crops.  The state produces over three million tons of apples each year, which accounts for nearly sixty percent of total U.S. production.  We produce over ninety percent of all red raspberries grown in the U.S. and rank in the top five of a number of other commodities including wheat, barley, potatoes, asparagus and grapes.

***To schedule a time to speak with Congressman Larsen following the hearing please contact Kimberly Johnston at 202.420.8354

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