Transcripts For CSPAN3 Senate Agriculture Hearing On The 201

Friday on cspan2 and cspan. Org or listen with the free cspan radio app. The house will be in order. For 40 years cspan has been providing america unfiltered coverage of congress. The white house. The supreme court. And Public Policy events from washington d. C. And around the country. You can make up your own mind. Created by cable in 1978. Cspan is brought by the local cable or satellite provider. Cspan, your unfiltered view of government. Next a hearing on Agriculture Research and the status of the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. We hear about relocating parts of the Agriculture Department to the kansas city region. This hearing was held by the Senate Agriculture committee. Good morning. I call this meeting to order. Over two years ago we kicked off the 2018 farm bill, and that whole process was by holding a hearing at Kansas State University of our Land Grant Institution. A few months later there was a hearing in this room. What we heard from the officials representatives from Research Institutions and agriculture producers. We heard about the Critical Role that can goture research has played throughout our countrys history. We also heard about the Research Priorities for the 2018 farm bill. The needs are certainly great. Every day our producers and counterextreme and researchers and institutions tasked with addressing the challenges are directed to do so with minimal federal resources and an aging infrastructure. The United States produces the safest most affordable and abundant food and fiber in the world ever. And crafting the agriculture improvement act of 2018 the distinguished Ranking Member deborah and myself and i along with members of this committee recognize that we had to continue to build on the strong history of Agriculture Research in the United States. With enactment of the bill, the primary department of Agriculture Research, education, and extension of authorities were reauthorized including the Agricultural Research and the National Institute of food and agricultu agriculture. The hatch act and the smith lever were extended. And Grant Programs were included to support Research Facilities and equipment improvements. Provisions were included to bring equity to 1890 and 1994 institutions. The farm and ranch assistance at work was reauthorized and strengthened to support the Mental Health of farmers and individuals facing highly stressful working conditions. New authorities were established including the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority. It was modelled after authorities at other agencies including darpa and garda. During the farm bill process budgets were tight and many difficult choices were made in an effort to negotiate a bill that provides certainty and predictability. Notably, the Research Title was one of the few in the farm bill to receive an increase in mandatory funding over the life of the bill. In fact, it included nearly 80 0 million in mandatory funding over five years for research programs. Thats a big, needed investment. I am very proud of the bipartisan effort to support Agriculture Research and the agriculture act of 2018 and i know my Ranking Member shares that pride. This morning i look forward to hearing an update from the department about the implementation of the updated and new provisions. I am also interested to hear about the status of other efforts related to economics. Thats the remission area including the relocation of the Economic Research service ers to the kansas city region. My home state of kansas has a strong history of Agriculture Research including the Kansas State University, the national bio and agridefense facility currently under construction and the broader Animal Health quarter stretching from colombia, missouri to kansas city on the way out to manhattan. The relocation would allow the agencies to access the many existing resources and benefits of the region. Research and analysis are essential to the work that the department does for producers. And for the agriculture economy. With any significant structural change, it is vital that we ensure the Research Missions remain intact. And is supported and strengthened for this nations growers. For instance, we need to ensure that the department continues to produce quality ports without delay during this transition. From theon set of the farm bill, it was something every member would unite behind and support. This is true regardless of state. This bipartisan support for Agricultural Research will continue and is key as we seek to keep working together to strengthen u. S. Agriculture. I recognize the distinguished Ranking Member for her remarks. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. And thank you very much for holding what is a very important hearing before giving my opening remarks, i want to put into the record with your agreement testimony from a number of groups and individuals regarding the relocations of ers and nifa. This includes statements from organizations representing researchers, agricultural economists and former usda researchers from both republican and democratic administrations. I would ask submission. Thank you very much for the hearing. I share the chairmans commitment of what has been really a source of pride for us in terms of support for not only traditional agriculture but the new foundation that we have now had in place for two farm bills that we worked together on. Dr. Hutchins welcome back and thank you for being here. Agriculture research has been at the heart of the department of agriculture since the beginning. You have a very important responsibility at a very challenging time in my judgment. In 1862 president lincoln created the usda with the mission to procure propagate and distribute agricultural knowledge. That Strong Foundation created our modern system of land grant universities including mr. Chairman our alma maters of Michigan State and kansas state. It has also led to breakthroughs that have made our farmers more productive, more profitable, and more resilient. The development of the first hybrid corn seeds have resulted in better yields and many types of crops. Extension specialists help farmers utilize Crop Rotation to replenish soil after the dust bowl. Usda studies have made heat more resilient to heat and disease and developed more nutritious rice varieties and improved vaccines to prevent foot and mouth disease. Even off the farm a wide variety of interesting Important Research. Ag research has improved the diz posable diaper, making the u. S. Military uniforms resistance to mosquitos. And developing better turf for nfl fields so my Detroit Lions can chair up the chairmans Kansas City Chiefs without tearing up the grass. Even with great its my opening statement, mr. Chairman. Even with these great innovations we consistently hear we need more research in a broad array of research. Not less. Thats why the bipartisan 2018 farm bill increased funding for usda and specialty crops, urban can goture, organics and expanded foundation for food and Agricultural Research. Unfortuna unfortunately the bipartisan commitment to Agricultural Research which started over 150 years ago is now at risk. I am deeply concerned that this administration is undermining the foundation of the usdas Scientific Research mission. The administrations decision to relocate two important Research Institutions, the Economic Research service and the National Institute of food and agriculture will effect real people who rely on the Usda Services and hamper its capacity to support farmers, families, and Rural Communities for years to come. And for what . For what . Its still unclear to me what problem the usda is trying to solve with this move. But we can see the problems and the risks related to this move. The administration is requiring employees to uproot their families and move by september 20th, even though they havent secured a Permanent Office space. There are questions about their authority and budget for the relocation. According to usda at least 63 of employees directed to move will leave instead of relocating. 63 . Or more. Thats on top of extremely high current vacancy rates at these agencies. Rebuilding an entire work force will take time. In the interim these agencies will not have the capacity to do their important work. The usda will also lose irreplaceable expertise. For example, the usda is losing vince crawly an army veteran originally from indiana whose work publishing reports is critical to exporting expanding export markets. Supporting transparent Commodity Prices and strengthening rural economies. We are losing jeffrey designer, one of the nations leading experts on Hemp Research whose knowledge would have helped develop new markets for hemp which was legalized in the farm bill. The usda is losing tim stainburg who supports Business Innovation and rural manufacturing. His critical work on the competitiveness of Rural America will shut down because no one else in the department is qualified to work with this confidential highly sensitive data. There are hundreds more stories like this that we could share. The knowledge we are throwing away and the expertise were throwing away with this move. Its no wonder that former officials from both sides of the aisle stand in staunch opposition to this move. Now, the administration could keep these experts from leaving by giving employees the flexibility to continue their important work here until at least a Permanent Location is ready. The administration could extend the deadline for researchers to decide whether they will leave their jobs or relocate themselves and their families to a new city or over 1,000 miles away. Instead, the administration is forcing out its employees with rushed politically calculated you wouultimatums ultimatums. They dont say that lightly. This relocation fits a troubling pattern of this administration undermining the important work of the usda. Including Critical Research our farmers need to address the impacts of Severe Weather caused by the changing climate. Congress has resoundingly rejected multiple budget proposals that would have cut usda Economic Research by 50 . Rejected. Both sides of the aisle. Im concerned the socalled relocation is an attempt to go around congress and to carry out the steep reductions and capacity and research anyway. Its clear to me this is not a relocation. Its a demolition. Its a thinly veiled ideological attempt to drive away key u. S. Employees and bypass the intent of congress. I urge the administration to stop this and salvage what valuable expertise is left. This decision does far more than hurt usda employees. If this chaotic plan is not stopped, our farmers, our families and Rural Communities will be the ones that suffer in the long run. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Let me remind members of the Committee Time is very limited. We have votes at 11 30. Thats most unfortunate given the issues that are concerned. I would like to welcome our witness this morning dr. Scott hutchins, the deputy secretary for research, education, and economics at the department of agriculture prior to working at the department she held a variety of roles in the Agriculture Research and development as the global Research Development leader in an agricultural division. He received his bachelors degree from auburn university. And his doctorate from iowa state university. Notably he last testified in this room in november after he was nominated to serve as the undersecretary for Research Education and economics and his nomination was reported out of this committee on a voice vote for a second time on may 14th. Welcome back to the committee, doctor, i look forward to your testimony. Please proceed. Thank you. Good morning. Chairman roberts, Ranking Members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss implementation of related provisions in the 2018 farm bill. The Research Education Economics Mission tear at usda is an Incredible Team and powerful force for the good of u. S. Agriculture its comprised of the Agricultural Research service, the Economic Research service, the National Agricultural institute of food and agriculture. Ill offer a few updates on each followed by comments on current topics. Ars, under the leadership of jacob youngs is the primary Intermural Research agency. Theres a long track of ars is also one of the two usda agencies responsible for the standup and management of the national bio and ag ro defense facility in kansas. Just recently with chairman roberts joining i was pleased to cosi cosign a memorandum of agreement with the department of Homeland Security to enable the transfer of responsibilities to usda. Ers currently led by actinged a min traitor leave tag continues to be a trusted source of objective research to inform and enhance public and private decision making. Theres highlighted trends of a slowing of retail food Price Inflation y. Food loss amounts at the farm level. And the impact that agriculture has on the larger economy. Theyve modelled shifts on farm productivity and balance of invest. The National Agriculture Statistics Service provides timely accurate and useful statistics and service to u. S. Agriculture. They conduct hundreds of surveys and produce reports for the entire Agricultural Sector including production and supplies of food and fiber, prices paid and received by farmer, farm labor and wages. Farm finances, chemical use and changes in the demographics. Earlier we were proud to have the opportunity to provide nasas largest and most visible report. The National Institute of food and agricultural is usdas Extramural Research agency providing funding for Extension Programs and research that address National Agriculture practices. If it does this through grants. The support Work Force Development including the 4h organization. In 2018 they funded programs supported over 104 students through recruitment, retention and faculty development. Through 4h they support a new generation of community leaders. The office of the chief scientists serves to coordinate all four agencies and all of usda. The Council Facilities coordination and includes the important function of scientific integrity. With regard to the 2018 farm bill, first let me congratulate this committee and particularly chairman roberts and Ranking Member stab know on the timely and positive bill in support of u. S. Agriculture. Ree held a special listening session on march 121st of 21st of this year with all the ree leadership present. While each of the four agencies and the office of the chief scientists are included in the farm bill, the vast majority of the provisions pertained to nifa and im pleased to report theyve addressed the key expectatio expectations. With regard to relocating the agencies secretary announced they will relocate to the kansas city region after a long process. The kansas city region is a vibrant urban center in the heartland growing agricultural hub and a home to considerable federal work force already. Longterm savings the ability to attract top agricultural talent in proximity will enhance the mission of the agencies in the longterp. Usda is fully committed to seeing them thrive as Public Policy<\/a> events from washington d. C. And around the country. You can make up your own mind. Created by cable in 1978. Cspan is brought by the local cable or satellite provider. Cspan, your unfiltered view of government. Next a hearing on Agriculture Research<\/a> and the status of the implementation of the 2018 farm bill. We hear about relocating parts of the Agriculture Department<\/a> to the kansas city region. This hearing was held by the Senate Agriculture<\/a> committee. Good morning. I call this meeting to order. Over two years ago we kicked off the 2018 farm bill, and that whole process was by holding a hearing at Kansas State University<\/a> of our Land Grant Institution<\/a>. A few months later there was a hearing in this room. What we heard from the officials representatives from Research Institutions<\/a> and agriculture producers. We heard about the Critical Role<\/a> that can goture research has played throughout our countrys history. We also heard about the Research Priorities<\/a> for the 2018 farm bill. The needs are certainly great. Every day our producers and counterextreme and researchers and institutions tasked with addressing the challenges are directed to do so with minimal federal resources and an aging infrastructure. The United States<\/a> produces the safest most affordable and abundant food and fiber in the world ever. And crafting the agriculture improvement act of 2018 the distinguished Ranking Member<\/a> deborah and myself and i along with members of this committee recognize that we had to continue to build on the strong history of Agriculture Research<\/a> in the United States<\/a>. With enactment of the bill, the primary department of Agriculture Research<\/a>, education, and extension of authorities were reauthorized including the Agricultural Research<\/a> and the National Institute<\/a> of food and agricultu agriculture. The hatch act and the smith lever were extended. And Grant Programs<\/a> were included to support Research Facilities<\/a> and equipment improvements. Provisions were included to bring equity to 1890 and 1994 institutions. The farm and ranch assistance at work was reauthorized and strengthened to support the Mental Health<\/a> of farmers and individuals facing highly stressful working conditions. New authorities were established including the Agriculture Advanced Research<\/a> and Development Authority<\/a>. It was modelled after authorities at other agencies including darpa and garda. During the farm bill process budgets were tight and many difficult choices were made in an effort to negotiate a bill that provides certainty and predictability. Notably, the Research Title<\/a> was one of the few in the farm bill to receive an increase in mandatory funding over the life of the bill. In fact, it included nearly 80 0 million in mandatory funding over five years for research programs. Thats a big, needed investment. I am very proud of the bipartisan effort to support Agriculture Research<\/a> and the agriculture act of 2018 and i know my Ranking Member<\/a> shares that pride. This morning i look forward to hearing an update from the department about the implementation of the updated and new provisions. I am also interested to hear about the status of other efforts related to economics. Thats the remission area including the relocation of the Economic Research<\/a> service ers to the kansas city region. My home state of kansas has a strong history of Agriculture Research<\/a> including the Kansas State University<\/a>, the national bio and agridefense facility currently under construction and the broader Animal Health<\/a> quarter stretching from colombia, missouri to kansas city on the way out to manhattan. The relocation would allow the agencies to access the many existing resources and benefits of the region. Research and analysis are essential to the work that the department does for producers. And for the agriculture economy. With any significant structural change, it is vital that we ensure the Research Missions<\/a> remain intact. And is supported and strengthened for this nations growers. For instance, we need to ensure that the department continues to produce quality ports without delay during this transition. From theon set of the farm bill, it was something every member would unite behind and support. This is true regardless of state. This bipartisan support for Agricultural Research<\/a> will continue and is key as we seek to keep working together to strengthen u. S. Agriculture. I recognize the distinguished Ranking Member<\/a> for her remarks. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. And thank you very much for holding what is a very important hearing before giving my opening remarks, i want to put into the record with your agreement testimony from a number of groups and individuals regarding the relocations of ers and nifa. This includes statements from organizations representing researchers, agricultural economists and former usda researchers from both republican and democratic administrations. I would ask submission. Thank you very much for the hearing. I share the chairmans commitment of what has been really a source of pride for us in terms of support for not only traditional agriculture but the new foundation that we have now had in place for two farm bills that we worked together on. Dr. Hutchins welcome back and thank you for being here. Agriculture research has been at the heart of the department of agriculture since the beginning. You have a very important responsibility at a very challenging time in my judgment. In 1862 president lincoln created the usda with the mission to procure propagate and distribute agricultural knowledge. That Strong Foundation<\/a> created our modern system of land grant universities including mr. Chairman our alma maters of Michigan State<\/a> and kansas state. It has also led to breakthroughs that have made our farmers more productive, more profitable, and more resilient. The development of the first hybrid corn seeds have resulted in better yields and many types of crops. Extension specialists help farmers utilize Crop Rotation<\/a> to replenish soil after the dust bowl. Usda studies have made heat more resilient to heat and disease and developed more nutritious rice varieties and improved vaccines to prevent foot and mouth disease. Even off the farm a wide variety of interesting Important Research<\/a>. Ag research has improved the diz posable diaper, making the u. S. Military uniforms resistance to mosquitos. And developing better turf for nfl fields so my Detroit Lions<\/a> can chair up the chairmans Kansas City Chiefs<\/a> without tearing up the grass. Even with great its my opening statement, mr. Chairman. Even with these great innovations we consistently hear we need more research in a broad array of research. Not less. Thats why the bipartisan 2018 farm bill increased funding for usda and specialty crops, urban can goture, organics and expanded foundation for food and Agricultural Research<\/a>. Unfortuna unfortunately the bipartisan commitment to Agricultural Research<\/a> which started over 150 years ago is now at risk. I am deeply concerned that this administration is undermining the foundation of the usdas Scientific Research<\/a> mission. The administrations decision to relocate two important Research Institutions<\/a>, the Economic Research<\/a> service and the National Institute<\/a> of food and agriculture will effect real people who rely on the Usda Services<\/a> and hamper its capacity to support farmers, families, and Rural Communities<\/a> for years to come. And for what . For what . Its still unclear to me what problem the usda is trying to solve with this move. But we can see the problems and the risks related to this move. The administration is requiring employees to uproot their families and move by september 20th, even though they havent secured a Permanent Office<\/a> space. There are questions about their authority and budget for the relocation. According to usda at least 63 of employees directed to move will leave instead of relocating. 63 . Or more. Thats on top of extremely high current vacancy rates at these agencies. Rebuilding an entire work force will take time. In the interim these agencies will not have the capacity to do their important work. The usda will also lose irreplaceable expertise. For example, the usda is losing vince crawly an army veteran originally from indiana whose work publishing reports is critical to exporting expanding export markets. Supporting transparent Commodity Prices<\/a> and strengthening rural economies. We are losing jeffrey designer, one of the nations leading experts on Hemp Research<\/a> whose knowledge would have helped develop new markets for hemp which was legalized in the farm bill. The usda is losing tim stainburg who supports Business Innovation<\/a> and rural manufacturing. His critical work on the competitiveness of Rural America<\/a> will shut down because no one else in the department is qualified to work with this confidential highly sensitive data. There are hundreds more stories like this that we could share. The knowledge we are throwing away and the expertise were throwing away with this move. Its no wonder that former officials from both sides of the aisle stand in staunch opposition to this move. Now, the administration could keep these experts from leaving by giving employees the flexibility to continue their important work here until at least a Permanent Location<\/a> is ready. The administration could extend the deadline for researchers to decide whether they will leave their jobs or relocate themselves and their families to a new city or over 1,000 miles away. Instead, the administration is forcing out its employees with rushed politically calculated you wouultimatums ultimatums. They dont say that lightly. This relocation fits a troubling pattern of this administration undermining the important work of the usda. Including Critical Research<\/a> our farmers need to address the impacts of Severe Weather<\/a> caused by the changing climate. Congress has resoundingly rejected multiple budget proposals that would have cut usda Economic Research<\/a> by 50 . Rejected. Both sides of the aisle. Im concerned the socalled relocation is an attempt to go around congress and to carry out the steep reductions and capacity and research anyway. Its clear to me this is not a relocation. Its a demolition. Its a thinly veiled ideological attempt to drive away key u. S. Employees and bypass the intent of congress. I urge the administration to stop this and salvage what valuable expertise is left. This decision does far more than hurt usda employees. If this chaotic plan is not stopped, our farmers, our families and Rural Communities<\/a> will be the ones that suffer in the long run. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Let me remind members of the Committee Time<\/a> is very limited. We have votes at 11 30. Thats most unfortunate given the issues that are concerned. I would like to welcome our witness this morning dr. Scott hutchins, the deputy secretary for research, education, and economics at the department of agriculture prior to working at the department she held a variety of roles in the Agriculture Research<\/a> and development as the global Research Development<\/a> leader in an agricultural division. He received his bachelors degree from auburn university. And his doctorate from iowa state university. Notably he last testified in this room in november after he was nominated to serve as the undersecretary for Research Education<\/a> and economics and his nomination was reported out of this committee on a voice vote for a second time on may 14th. Welcome back to the committee, doctor, i look forward to your testimony. Please proceed. Thank you. Good morning. Chairman roberts, Ranking Member<\/a>s of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss implementation of related provisions in the 2018 farm bill. The Research Education<\/a> Economics Mission<\/a> tear at usda is an Incredible Team<\/a> and powerful force for the good of u. S. Agriculture its comprised of the Agricultural Research<\/a> service, the Economic Research<\/a> service, the National Agricultural<\/a> institute of food and agriculture. Ill offer a few updates on each followed by comments on current topics. Ars, under the leadership of jacob youngs is the primary Intermural Research<\/a> agency. Theres a long track of ars is also one of the two usda agencies responsible for the standup and management of the national bio and ag ro defense facility in kansas. Just recently with chairman roberts joining i was pleased to cosi cosign a memorandum of agreement with the department of Homeland Security<\/a> to enable the transfer of responsibilities to usda. Ers currently led by actinged a min traitor leave tag continues to be a trusted source of objective research to inform and enhance public and private decision making. Theres highlighted trends of a slowing of retail food Price Inflation<\/a> y. Food loss amounts at the farm level. And the impact that agriculture has on the larger economy. Theyve modelled shifts on farm productivity and balance of invest. The National Agriculture<\/a> Statistics Service<\/a> provides timely accurate and useful statistics and service to u. S. Agriculture. They conduct hundreds of surveys and produce reports for the entire Agricultural Sector<\/a> including production and supplies of food and fiber, prices paid and received by farmer, farm labor and wages. Farm finances, chemical use and changes in the demographics. Earlier we were proud to have the opportunity to provide nasas largest and most visible report. The National Institute<\/a> of food and agricultural is usdas Extramural Research<\/a> agency providing funding for Extension Programs<\/a> and research that address National Agriculture<\/a> practices. If it does this through grants. The support Work Force Development<\/a> including the 4h organization. In 2018 they funded programs supported over 104 students through recruitment, retention and faculty development. Through 4h they support a new generation of community leaders. The office of the chief scientists serves to coordinate all four agencies and all of usda. The Council Facilities<\/a> coordination and includes the important function of scientific integrity. With regard to the 2018 farm bill, first let me congratulate this committee and particularly chairman roberts and Ranking Member<\/a> stab know on the timely and positive bill in support of u. S. Agriculture. Ree held a special listening session on march 121st of 21st of this year with all the ree leadership present. While each of the four agencies and the office of the chief scientists are included in the farm bill, the vast majority of the provisions pertained to nifa and im pleased to report theyve addressed the key expectatio expectations. With regard to relocating the agencies secretary announced they will relocate to the kansas city region after a long process. The kansas city region is a vibrant urban center in the heartland growing agricultural hub and a home to considerable federal work force already. Longterm savings the ability to attract top agricultural talent in proximity will enhance the mission of the agencies in the longterp. Usda is fully committed to seeing them thrive as Mission Critical<\/a> agencies and, in fact, we will wok six brand new employees to kansas city this coming monday. In conclusion, thank you for the opportunity to be with you today. I respect the role this Important Committee<\/a> plays in the success of the ree mission, and look forward to answering your questions. Thank you also for the unwavering bipartisan support this committee has always shown for the Critical Missions<\/a> of research, education, and economics on behalf of u. S. Agriculture. Its a honor to support the usda mission, do right, and feed anyone. Im happy to answer your questions. Thank you, doctor. I want to remind everybody that has come to the committee. Time is limited. We have votes at 11 30. Well let the floor know if were still in session, well wait for maybe 14 minutes to expire or Something Like<\/a> that. But im going to enforce the five minute rule. I think i kept mine under five. So very i just want to encourage people to be brief if they possibly can. I know theres a lot of concern with regard to the relocation issue. I thank the distinguished member for asking unanimous support for questions to be submitted to the record on many of the concerns people have. I know the department will respond. I will make sure of that along with the distinguished Ranking Member<\/a>. The Research Title<\/a> was a bipartisan collaboration for members of this committee. Others throughout the Congress Want<\/a> example of the clab rax as the new Agricultural Research<\/a> and Development Authority<\/a> or garda. We worked closely to ensure solutions. How does the usda envision using this to complement your mission to develop the tools necessary to protect our u. S. Food supply . Thank you for the question. Garda presents a unique opportunity in agricultural science much like other departments. This proposed Program Provides<\/a> the ability to partner in unique ways with private entities to allow ag research to stay on the cutting edge with the technology. We would envision within usda and ree a garda operating similarly. And once we stand it up, we would love to collaborate with the agencies and understand how best practices could be incorporated. I would be particularly excited to see what we would be able to do if the potential collaborations that would transpire between the private and Public Sector<\/a> would turn out as an example. Unfortunately at this point in time, it was not funded in the fy 19 appropriations. We want to bring it to life as you have envisioned it. On a broader point, i believe the u. S. Needs a more comprehensive ag innovation strategy. One that incorporates not just the capabilities and the contributions that can come from the Public Sector<\/a> but also one that can come from the private sector so we can benefit from a total integration of efforts to stay ahead of the challenges that we face including Climate Change<\/a>. Issues along these lines have demonstrated the private sector is funding three times with the Public Sector<\/a> is funding. It becomes important for u. S. Agriculture to synergize and partner in this way to make sure we get the most bang for the buck, if you will, from our investments we enabled to have. Doctor, the National Institute<\/a> of food and agriculture and the Economic Research<\/a> service ers provides valuable research and data that producers and industry stake holders rely on, the external Research Extension<\/a> and Education Programs<\/a> operated through supports consumers all across the country. Ers provides Research Reports<\/a> on several items such as u. S. Farm income, commodity cost and returns and monthly commodity outlook reports. Which were waiting on the last report here in a few short days. Can you assure me that pardon me, that these critical reports will not be delayed within the transition occurring with aars . Thank you. Yes, i can assure you and more so, i assure you we will seek more opportunity to expand the reach and the influence of ers through the use of considerable cost savings from this move. That is our goal. Our intention is to make this and our desire to make this and the recognition is to make this an opportunity for us to allow this agency to grow and to be sustainable in the long term. Its a very important aspect. If i could add with regard to my role with this project and the role were in. When i was with this Committee Last<\/a> time, i was asked about these topics. I indicated i believed that the goals that the secretary had for this were the right goals. And i still believe that. But as we move forward, theres really two key primary focus areas im aligned on. One is to support our employees. This is a difficult move. Any move is difficult. Ive done these moves in my professional life over time. Theyre very difficult. And so what i have realized through those experiences is that we need to support our employees in a number of ways. That includes continuous communication and being decisive and supporting them in every way possible. That means the employees that are choosing to relocate as well as the employees who are choosing not to relocate. The second aspect of this which is more to your point, i think, is to ensure the continuity of mission. Ive given my assurances to the secretary and all who have asked that we will continue this mission. We will have a difficult time as ive said to others. Im not trying to sugar coat the difficulty this will pose, but we are actively working with the office of the secretary and all the agencies that can contribute to ensure continuity of mission. The economists are rock stars. I described them as that. The work they do is tremendous. And so we have every intention, and i give you my assurance well maintain that capability. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Again, thank you doctor. I realize that you were not here at the beginning when this decision was made, but it is in your lap now. Youre in charge, and it is incredibly important what decisions are made and how theyre made. And i agree with you that the mission is the focus in making sure were not losing the Important Service<\/a> in mission that provided to farmers and families in Rural Communities<\/a>. But theres a huge problem when according to the usda 63 of the employees directed to move will leave instead of moving. Usda will fire employees that dont relocate by september 30th. So far ongoing hiring efforts have resulted in four employees. Four employees being ready to start in kansas city next week. Four. Further more, the Government Services<\/a> agency says the Permanent Office<\/a> space for these agencies wont likely be ready for a year. So my question is whats the rush . Why is usda so fixated on moving or firing everybody by september 30th . Its a rush through the kmoon kags process that weve had with the employees from the earliest days. I have personally participated in monthly and sometimes weekly all hands meetings at present time we are communicating weekly through newsletters and through communication mechanisms. Were working as best we can through the process with the unions that represent both aspects of it. But what the employees have told us loud and clear throughout this process which has been a long process. I mean, it was announced last august and now its july. We just want to know when and where. Give us a date and give us a location. And so we went through a long deliberative process. Its very much open in communication with your staff. To identify that. And we are staying true to that plan. Weve provided a city. Its a fantastic city. Kansas city has been so opening, and welcoming to the opportunities that we have here. And i wont try to sell the city. I suspect someone could do it better than i. If i might just interrupt. First, next to michigan i love kansas. This is not about kansas city. But june 13th i understand is when employees knew they were going to kansas city. June 13th. Thats a little over a month ago. And so that is my concern and to just add to that and let you respond is that i understand that the reck sayre had a conversation where he said he would consider employees doing telework during the transition. Im wondering if you will agree to let current employees work in their Current Location<\/a> until the permanent facility is ready in kansas city, and theres still a lot of vacant space in d. C. Where they could work during that transition. Is that something youre willing to do. Through the communication process we indicated once a city is identified, it would be a 3046 day decision period. We stayed true to that. We provided 32 if you count. The second point with regard to the work. Those are all demands and requests that have come from the union. Those, part of the negotiation process, and with the two agencies. That process twalg begins tomorrow. Its the first meeting between the union and with the agency. Tomorrow is the kwirs r first meeting with the union. Youve not met with them. I will not be meeting with them. Their process is i understand. Okay. But tomorrow is by agreement of both sides, tomorrow is when the process begins. Let me quickly move through here. I assume that you are as concerned as we are about unnecessary brain drain with 63 of the people have said theyre not going to be moving. And you basically gave 547 employees 30 days to decide if they were going to move halfway across the country and take their families, and right now i understand theres enough space for 270 employees in kansas city. Given time i want to ask one other important question. Recent press reports including a new article published said tugts that usda has taken steps to repress release of the work of Climate Change<\/a>. I am proud of the fact that this committee did a thoughtful bipartisan, maybe the first thoughtful Bipartisan Senate<\/a> hearing on Climate Change<\/a> and how farmers can be a part of the solution going forward. Its critical. You draszed the down playing of Climate Change<\/a> in a letter you sent to me yesterday. I appreciate the response. This mornings story suggests that senior Trump Officials<\/a> held back an agency wide Climate Science<\/a> plan slated for public release in late 2017 which we certainly could have benefitted from. Let me just ask this. At this point in terms of publicizing the work of agency researchers and so on, will you commit to provide this committee with all studies related to Climate Change<\/a> that have involved usda researchers and were published after january 21, 2017 . Thank you, senator. Are you talking about the Research Studies<\/a> . Im talking about the Research Studies<\/a>. Everything the usda has done with public money. The universities. Theres a lot of important work thats been done. We need to have that information. Yes. Thats all in the public do main, and as an example, if you look at the rampup rate of Climate Research<\/a> through nifa from 2016, there were 964 reports. If you were to use Google Scholar<\/a> has an example, and in 2018 there were over 1,000 and we were on pace in 2019 to have over 1200. The climb work focus primarily on adaptation and mitigation. Its expansive and robust. Does that include the public release of the agency wide Climate Science<\/a> plan that was referred to in the press today . The plan that was referred to in the press was an internal document in order for us to design and implement the all aspects of this Overall Research<\/a> program. It was not ever intended to be released to the public. No problem with it being released to the public. It really signals clearly all the work thats being done and all the work thats in that document is being done. That is our guide post. Thats what we are using to develop our research program. I look forward to receiving that. Thank you. We have limited time. We are pressed for time. We can hold it off until about 11 45. Questions for the record will be available, and the chair will have to enforce the five minute rule. Thank you. Senator boseman. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thank you for having the meeting. Weve got a lot of concern, disgreechlt, but i think the one thing we can all agree on that as a nation we must continue to invest in ag research and the future of agriculture. We can look at arkansas, for example, and how far weve come in arkansas. We can take rice from 1980 to 2015, rice yield per acre increased by 62 . Over the same time the water use associated with growing race degreased by 52 . Soil loss decreased and energy use decreased by 32 . None of this would have been possible without the innovation that has come about from the research and technology. Ing a research will become more important so we can feed and clothe people on the same land we have today. I guess the question is understanding the challenges that agriculture will have to overcome as the global population grows, what do you see as the most Important Research<\/a> areas to focus on in both the short term and long term . Thank you, senator, for the question. One of the things that weve done with the Leadership Team<\/a> with ree is identify what are the primary themes of research and focus and impact and understa influence we need to have for u. S. Agriculture. The first is sustainable intensification. This captures a lot of the things you listed. Its the opportunity for us to really focus in a sincere and expansive way on soil health. An opportunity to focus on Water Conservation<\/a> and quality. And the opportunity to take advantage of the tremendous digital revolution thats happening today within agriculture. All of that will allow farmers to not only be more productive but more profitable as theyre able to maximize their inputs. Thats one of the key themes. There will be positive impacts on Carbon Sequestration<\/a> and Greenhouse Gas<\/a> production. The second piece is actually ag climate adaptation. Thats another key theme. Were investing well over 100 million of Research Just<\/a> in that theme. We in arkansas benefit from several research universities. One of them the university of arkansas at pine bluff is 1890s institution, especially important to arkansass agriculture industry. Theyre a leader in aqua culture research. In the farm bill there were several provisions regarding the 1980s institutions. Could you update us on the implementation of the provisions . Yes, sir. There were of number of them in the context of scholarship programs and the usda hosted a tremendous event where they outlined and demonstrated with bipartisan support how that program was being stood up and put forth. The 1890 institutions overall are very highly supported by the secretary as well as by the department and all of the provisions that are within that for both the individual ones as well as the others are being implemented with speed and rigor to ensure the intent of this committee and the 1890 institutions is fulfilled. Good. We appreciate that. I think i can speak for the committee. I think this is something thats very, very important that we do that with as much speed as possible. If you need any help in that regard, let us know. Thank you, mr. Chairman. I yield back on time. That helps. Senator smith. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Good to see you. Good to see you, too. I try to keep an eye on you when im not in the room. I know that. I dont look at your picture. They have a hipttizing effect on me. I have a issconcern listenino some of the discussion here. I remember in a Previous Administration<\/a> the head of one of our environmental agencies kept reorganizing so theyd never have to do anything. Enforcing environmental laws. Republican senator called her on that, and that was Robert Stafford<\/a> of vermont. I look at this, and i dont see any merit or justification. I believe it really undermines the mission of both agencies. Im saying that with new england understatement. The move has already dealt a significant blow to the department of search capacity, and many employees within these agencies will tell you honestly they feel this is the intent. So undermine the research capacity. Further usda failed to submit with its 2020 budget justification reported the costs and benefits for the move as well as the Detailed Analysis<\/a> of any research benefit of a relocation. Those are required by congress to the enacted appropriations bill. That is a requirement which usda totally ignored and violated on the contrary, usda requested 15. 5 million for relocation at the same time proposing a 26 million cut in the agency. You know, its the final thumb in the eye, the usda sent the appropriations committee, a reprogramming request just six days prior to publishing its intent in the federal register. That violates a 30days required. Its like you guys dont even care what the law is. Congress is irrelevant, including the appropriators and authorizers. So let me ask you. Inso far as youre ignoring congressional mandates, not following the law, let me ask you this. Yes or no . Will you submit to the committees the jurisdiction all the analysis related to relocation including the full report bierness and young on which usdas cost benefit analysis last month was based . Yes or no . Yes, sir, we have released and published and made public the cost benefit analysis. And what was conducted prior to the secretarys august 2018 announcement to relocate the agencies . Senator, i did not join usda until january of this year. I dont know what was prepared. Will you find what cost benefit analysis was conducted prior and supply it to this committee . I will inquire with the secretary so you cant give us an answer that you will . I dont know whats available, sir, but i will do all i can to provide whats available. Well, was all that was provided, was it did you give us all that was provided or did give us just a summary . We provided all that exists for the cost a summary of all exists . The summary captured all of the not all. You gave a summary. You didnt give all. No, sir. We provided it all. And in the summary, it referenced all the data and all the information that went into that. So it was the cost benefit analysis. So that is available . All that data is available to the committee . Yes, sir. So we should be able to get the prior, prior to your time there also . I will inquire on your behalf. If congress does not provide relocation funds in fy 20, or block funds are used for such a relocation, will usda follow the law as enacted by congress . Usda from my standpoint always follows the law and has deep respect for how its created and how its implemented. Thats what we put. Because if we put that, youre going to have to lastly, fnet, that is a 2019 enacted Appropriations Bill Congress<\/a> called for pilot expansion to provide valuation improved food resources. What has usda done to implement those instructions in the fy 2019 law, and would a Land Grant Institution<\/a> with an established fnet program be well positioned to undertake the pilot . Yes, sir. The agriculture appropriations had language encouraging a special extension of f net, and nifa is assessing how to incorporate into further effectiveness into that program. I had the honor to address and visit with that Group Earlier<\/a> this year. Their mission and to sus is tremendous. What they do is something we want to encourage. Well make every effort from your standpoint to ensure that pilot is successful. I can find you a good land grant to do it. Thank you, chairman. Its nice to be here with you. Thank you, sir. Youre only about 40 seconds over time. This is of grave concern to me because it didnt give me enough time to congratulate you on your 16,000th vote on the floor of the United States<\/a> senate. Ill tell you in private how many times i voted with you. I have the list on a small card here. On the farm bill, weve always voted together. That is correct. Thats the most important thing. Senator brown. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Acknowledging the comments of. Acknowledging the comments of senator leahy, i am glad we are relocating to kansas city. Its in the middle of the farm belt. Im a farmer, a tree farmer, and i think i on ien voflam involvet of farmers. When it comes to the talent pool, i have to believe theres more of it in the universities that specialize in ag in that area, as well and then whats normally not talked about here would be can we lore the cost of operation . A place like that and im almost certain that it will be lower cost of doing business in kansas city than d. C. Im looking forward for you to carry out the smooth transition which you think can be done. I want to get to a question of what your agencys all about. African swine fever, footandmouth disease, wheat stem rust all examples of current threats to Global Agriculture<\/a> that know no borders. Im sure there are others, as well. Where are you at on diseases like that and are we making headway or are we being overwhelmed by more of them than seem to crop up every year. Thank you, senator, for the question. The answer is that we are making headway on many and as an entomologist i am with the concept of Invasive Species<\/a> and the difficult topics and we are making headway on a number of those and were in a Global Travel<\/a> situation, and so theres always a risk, afis does a fantastic job and we always have new challenges and we have them in all parts of the country. Growers every year face some sort of new challenge or outbreak and much of that stimulated by some sort of current weather pattern or what have you, but i can tell you with confidence that the Agriculture Research<\/a> service and nifa both and nifa working through all of the great land grants in this country are doing world class science and making tremendous efforts and you combine that with the great system we have with cooperative extension, and it allows us to get that research and the advancements and the discoveries into the hands of our farmers quickly enough so that they can respond and minimize any losses from those kinds of pests. So as a tree farmer does forestry, which i think in indiana has almost twice the Financial Impact<\/a> of row crop, and im sure that varies by state somewhat. Emeril ashboar, tree of heaven and most of that stuff has arisen in the last ten to 15 years. Some of it like japanese bush honeysuckle is so prevalent that most people dont each know its not a native. Are we spending as much time and effort there when in many states forestry has more impact thanning a kull you are in the sense of row crops . Are we putting resource to that, as well . Thank you, sir, for the question. Two things i would point out. One is the Forest Service<\/a> which is not part of its missionary is focused specifically on a lot of those diseases and forestry. A lot of basic biology and the basic methods for pests like emeril ashbore which has cost me as well is collaborative and we use within our Leadership Team<\/a> we utilize the rnd leader for the Forest Service<\/a> as part of our Leadership Team<\/a> so were doing all we can to coordinate and we do include the ecosystems and the forest ecosystems as part of our mandate and part of our challenge. Thank you. Good luck in your transition to kansas city. Thank you, sir. Thank you, senator. Senator klobuchar . Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Thank you for being here, dr. Hutchins. I have already, pressed my concern and senator stabinow focused on that question about this relocation. Do you truly believe that youre not going to lose significant expertise in areas of research, Agricultural Research<\/a>, dr. Hutchinson, with this move . Thank you for the question. I never suggested that we would not lose expertise. I have been part of some major moves in the past and large mergers and so forth and theyre never easy and theres always a large attrition with that and there are good personal reasons for that. People are making choices. In this particular situation every employee has been offered a job. I have never been through one of these where there was no workforce reduction in the context of mandated. So that opportunity is there. The numbers that came from this were not at all unexpected. We expect that for these kind of moves. We will be working desperately and deliberately to make sure as chairman reports requested that we do not drop the mission on the short term. I want us to keep an eye on what the next version with the expertise that we are retaining and how we build on that and how we take these agencies to the next level and the secretary has committed to reinvest some of these considerable savings and 300 million nominally over the first lease period in order to allow us to grow these agencies and grow their impact and grow their influence and expand the research capabilities. Its just were out of time with Climate Change<\/a> and Climate Science<\/a> with the research is just as important across the government and last month i wrote with secretary purdue about concerns about a new report a news report that had the suppression of skient ivecif studies on Agricultural Production<\/a> and this is having seen in the midwest the flooding that were having and the broken levies and farmers that are no longer able to produce because their cropland is under water. Were having huge problems in minnesota. Can you elaborate on how the department determines which type of Research Projects<\/a> to publicize as opposed to just get them done and weve had an issue where the Climate Research<\/a> seems to come on friday afternoons where people wont notice it and not just out of usda and out of agencies where i think we should be highlighting this when we look at solutions and its not happening a hundred years and its happening now. Can you talk about how the department determines which type of research to publicize. I can certainly provide you with an overview of that. First of all, with 5,000 publications coming just out of ar, is alone, we, across a number of topic, we need to look at which ones really would set the stage and we have 450 Research Publications<\/a> just in the public area with ars and not just the ones sponsored by nifa. Is there something new and novel here. Is it most relevant to u. S. Growers and u. S. Agriculture and is it something that we could ultimately trance light to a point when we can reduce it to prakt sn practice . I have returned a response to your letter, and that particular publication that was in question was specifically focused on rice variety in japan and it did not meet the standard of relevant rice growers and it focused on the concept of nutrition. There were 18 varieties evaluated. Two of those varieties showed a reduction in vitamin b and 16 had no change. So we looked at that and said its not as conclusive with the type of promotion that was being suggested. It has nothing to do with Climate Change<\/a> and it simply has to do with we felt like the promotion of that did not meet the standard and there will be many other articles and many other studies that we will promote that meet those other standards. I just know there have been a number of, and its not just usda and i think that as a whole, the administration isnt doing with Climate Change<\/a> and were losing time by not dealing with it. And questions were asked by and i wont go here by senator braun by animal implant diseases and i worked to include several animal disease provisions in the 2018 farm bill. How are you working to better deliver Research Solutions<\/a> that, bat these disease threats. One of the outcomes of, you know, and the shifting climate and the warmer climate is that there is an additional increase with the range change in terms of some of these diseases and so forth and one of the key areas to focus of sustainable intensification is really a deep understanding and development of management tactics that are practical and useful for both short term and long term in terms of deal be with these kinds of diseases and some of them we would need to be able to deal with with biological control and other thing, but rest assured it is a primary area of focus for both ars and nifa to give our growers the opportunity to manage their pests. Okay. Thank you very much, ill submit more questions on the record. Thank you. Senator grassley. You can fand this on our website, cspan. Org and click the congress tab for this and other coverage on the congressional chronicel. Take you live to the center of American Progress<\/a> in downtown washington, d. C. And well be hearing remarks by the House Intelligence Committee<\/a> adam schiff ahead of the Mueller Investigation<\/a> hearing tomorrow on capitol hill. And how donald trump and his allies sought to aid, abet and cover up this operation at seemingly every","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia803004.us.archive.org\/7\/items\/CSPAN3_20190723_170400_Senate_Agriculture_Hearing_on_the_2018_Farm_Bill_Implementation\/CSPAN3_20190723_170400_Senate_Agriculture_Hearing_on_the_2018_Farm_Bill_Implementation.thumbs\/CSPAN3_20190723_170400_Senate_Agriculture_Hearing_on_the_2018_Farm_Bill_Implementation_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240716T12:35:10+00:00"}