Congressman Valadao Urges Action from Agriculture Secretary on Disaster Relief for Central Valley Dairy Farmers
Source: The DairyNews
In a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing, Congressman David G. Valadao pressed Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack on the urgent need for disaster relief for Central Valley dairy producers.
Valadao highlighted concerns that Secretary Vilsack's utilization of authorities within the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) was insufficient to expedite assistance to dairy farmers in the region, drawing a comparison to the swift aid provided to dairy producers in Puerto Rico following the 2017 hurricanes.
Valadao emphasized the lack of action to reimburse California producers for losses in feed, livestock relocation, and shelter-in-place measures, contrasting it with past efforts in Puerto Rico. He questioned why similar measures couldn't be implemented to aid Central Valley farmers.
Secretary Vilsack contended that he lacked the authority to provide assistance to dairy producers through the CCC. However, Valadao challenged this assertion, citing precedents and urging the exploration of avenues to support dairy farmers who had been overlooked by previous relief efforts.
Valadao's persistence underscores the critical need for targeted relief measures to address the unique challenges faced by Central Valley dairy farmers, signaling the importance of swift action to mitigate ongoing hardships in the agricultural sector.
Valadao emphasized the lack of action to reimburse California producers for losses in feed, livestock relocation, and shelter-in-place measures, contrasting it with past efforts in Puerto Rico. He questioned why similar measures couldn't be implemented to aid Central Valley farmers.
Secretary Vilsack contended that he lacked the authority to provide assistance to dairy producers through the CCC. However, Valadao challenged this assertion, citing precedents and urging the exploration of avenues to support dairy farmers who had been overlooked by previous relief efforts.
Valadao's persistence underscores the critical need for targeted relief measures to address the unique challenges faced by Central Valley dairy farmers, signaling the importance of swift action to mitigate ongoing hardships in the agricultural sector.
