[Senate Hearing 117-88]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
S. Hrg. 117-88
NOMINATION OF DR. JEWEL H. BRONAUGH,
OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
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HEARING
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,
NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
UNITED STATES SENATE
ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
FIRST SESSION
__________
APRIL 22, 2021
__________
Printed for the use of the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
[GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available on http://www.govinfo.gov/
__________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
45-945 PDF WASHINGTON : 2022
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COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
DEBBIE STABENOW, Michigan, Chairwoman
PATRICK J. LEAHY, Vermont JOHN BOOZMAN, Arkansas
SHERROD BROWN, Ohio MITCH McCONNELL, Kentucky
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota JOHN HOEVEN, North Dakota
MICHAEL F. BENNET, Colorado JONI ERNST, Iowa
KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York CINDY HYDE-SMITH, Mississippi
TINA SMITH, Minnesota ROGER MARSHALL, Kansas
RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
CORY BOOKER, New Jersey CHARLES GRASSLEY, Iowa
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
Joseph A. Shultz, Majority Staff Director
Mary Beth Schultz, Majority Chief Counsel
Jessica L. Williams, Chief Clerk
Martha Scott Poindexter, Minority Staff Director
Fred J. Clark, Minority Chief Counsel
C O N T E N T S
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Page
Hearing:
Nomination of Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, of Virginia, to be Deputy
Secretary of Agriculture....................................... 1
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STATEMENTS PRESENTED BY SENATORS
Stabenow, Hon. Debbie, U.S. Senator from the State of Michigan... 1
Boozman, Hon. John, U.S. Senator from the State of Arkansas...... 3
WITNESSES
Warner, Hon. Mark R., U.S. Senator from the State of Virginia.... 5
Bronaugh, Jewel H., Med, Edd, of Virginia, to be Deputy Secretary
of Agriculture................................................. 6
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APPENDIX
Prepared Statements:
Bronaugh, Jewel H............................................ 34
Document(s) Submitted for the Record:
Stabenow, Hon. Debbie:
Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association,
letter of support.......................................... 38
Food and Farming Organizations, letter of support............ 39
Bronaugh, Jewel H.:
Committee questionnaire, Office of Government Ethics
Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure
Report and 5-day letter filed by Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh..... 41
Question and Answer:
Bronaugh, Jewel H.:
Written response to questions from Hon. Debbie Stabenow...... 84
Written response to questions from Hon. John Boozman......... 90
Written response to questions from Hon. Patrick Leahy........ 100
Written response to questions from Hon. Amy Klobuchar........ 101
Written response to questions from Hon. Richard Durbin....... 102
Written response to questions from Hon. Ben Ray Lujan........ 108
Written response to questions from Hon. John Hoeven.......... 109
Written response to questions from Hon. Roger Marshall, M.D.. 110
Written response to questions from Hon. John Boozman......... 113
NOMINATION OF DR. JEWEL H. BRONAUGH, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE DEPUTY
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
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THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021
U.S. Senate,
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:05 a.m., via
Webex and in room 301, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon.
Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Committee, presiding.
Present or submitting a statement: Senators Stabenow,
Brown, Bennet, Gillibrand, Lujan, Warnock, Boozman, Hoeven,
Ernst, Hyde-Smith, Marshall, Tuberville, Grassley, Thune,
Fischer, and Braun.
STATEMENT OF HON. DEBBIE STABENOW, U.S. SENATOR FROM THE STATE
OF MICHIGAN, CHAIRWOMAN, U.S. COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE,
NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY
Chairwoman Stabenow. I call this hearing of the U.S. Senate
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to order. I
thank colleagues for your patience as several of us were trying
to be two places at once. I am looking forward to ``Beam Me Up,
Scotty'' so we can do this without running between office
buildings. Thanks very much.
Everyone on this Committee knows the breadth of the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and how it affects every American,
whether they are a farmer or a rancher, facing----
Senator Warner. Could I get some ice water, or ice with my
favorite bottle?
Chairwoman Stabenow. I think someone is tuning in here on
us. It sounds like Senator Warner, but we will welcome him to
the Committee.
Senator Warner. Are you ready for me, Madam Chair, or
later?
Chairwoman Stabenow. Oh, I am sorry. It is Senator Warner.
I will be ready for you in a few moments.
Senator Warner. Yes, ma'am.
Chairwoman Stabenow. I am sorry.
Senator Warner. Yes, ma'am.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Just in a few moments. Thank you.
Thank you. Senator Warner will be introducing our nominee.
Everyone on the Committee knows the breadth, as I said, of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture and how affects every
American, whether it is a farmer, a rancher facing severe
drought, a family struggling to make ends meet, or a small town
looking to provide high-speed internet to its residents.
I am pleased that today we are here to consider a nominee
for a position that covers the scope of these issues, and more,
at the USDA. Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, welcome and congratulations on
your nomination to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.
You have a very impressive and wide-ranging agricultural
background. You have worked on some of our most important
issues to American farmers, families, and rural communities.
As Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, you led one of the most diverse
agricultural States in the country--slightly behind Michigan--
growing everything from apples to peanuts to turkeys. You also
have a track record as a strong leader in helping Virginia
farmers, families, and rural communities weather the pandemic.
You are also no strange to USDA. For two years, you were
the Virginia State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service
Agency, overseeing Virginia's local Farm Service Agency
offices, which, as we know, serve on the front lines helping
our farmers and ranchers.
You know first-hand the important role USDA plays in
helping farmers and ranchers tap into resources that will help
them grow and sustain their farms. Whether it is a dairy farmer
signing up for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, a soybean
producer applying for ARC, or a beginning farmer learning how
to start their operation, you have valuable experience working
directly with farmers on the ground.
You also know how conservation can help farmers be
productive and profitable, while also protecting land and water
and addressing the climate crisis. I trust that you will bring
that perspective your role.
You also have extensive experience in agricultural
research, which is fundamental to the success of American
agriculture. As Dean of the College of Agriculture at Virginia
State University, you oversaw important research and innovation
that helps our farmers grow the food that feeds the world.
When we met last week, you and I also discussed how we can
support all corners of American agriculture, big and small,
urban and rural. We need to make sure there is opportunity for
all farmers, no matter what you grow or how you grow it.
Dr. Bronaugh has the support of a wide range of
organizations representing food and farming, including the
American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union,
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, United Fresh Produce
Association, National Milk Producers Federation, and a variety
of State and local groups, including several from my home State
of Michigan. I ask that such letters be included in the record.
Without objection, so ordered.
[The letters can be found on pages 38-40 in the appendix.]
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you again for being here. I look
forward to hearing more about your plans and your vision today.
I now recognize our Ranking Member, Senator Boozman, and then I
will recognize Senator Warner for the formal introduction.
STATEMENT OF HON. SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN, U.S. SENATOR FROM THE
STATE OF ARKANSAS
Senator Boozman. Thank you, Madam Chair. We are very
pleased to welcome Dr. Jewel Bronaugh to the Committee this
morning as we consider her nomination to be Deputy Secretary of
Agriculture. Secretary Vilsack was confirmed a few weeks ago,
and we appreciate his eagerness to get a full team in place so
the Department can continue to work on behalf of the Nation's
farmers, ranchers, and other rural stakeholders. I look forward
to hearing from Secretary Vilsack in the next few days on the
status of the work he has been doing since getting reacquainted
with his old job.
The Deputy Secretary of Agriculture is the second highest-
ranking official at the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the
Senate. More importantly, she becomes the Acting Secretary if
the Secretary is unable to perform the duties of the office.
The position coordinates day-to-day operations within the
Department and efforts across agencies. The Deputy Secretary is
tasked with implementing the departmental mission. The Deputy
Secretary receives input from outside the agency and stays up
to date on issues and trends in the agriculture arena.
Dr. Bronaugh certainly has shown she has the experience to
handle these significant responsibilities at the Department.
Throughout Dr. Bronaugh's career, she has shown to be a true
leader in agriculture by serving her country and the State of
Virginia in government and educational roles. Her experience
includes her service as the Virginia State Executive Director
for the USDA Farm Service Agency, where she was appointed by
Governor Terry McAuliffe and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Tom Vilsack in July 2015.
In her role with FSA, she provided oversight for critical
production, stabilization, price support, compliance, farm loan
conservation, environmental and emergency assistance programs
in Virginia. She was responsible for the supervision of 41
field offices and the State FSA office, comprising 186
employees. Dr. Bronaugh was the first African American female
in the Nation to serve in this capacity, and she is the first
woman of color to be nominated for the USDA Deputy Secretary.
She has championed causes in her career such as developing
and delivering programs addressing issues of bullying among
youth while she was Associate Administrator of Cooperative
Extension and a 4-H Youth Development Specialist, and in the
spring of 2019, she launched the Farmer Stress Task Force,
organized in partnership with agriculture and health-related
agencies and organizations to raise awareness and coordinate
resources to address farmer stress and mental health challenges
in Virginia.
She has won praise and support from many in the agriculture
community, including the American Farm Bureau, the National
Farmers Union, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives,
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture,
National Cotton Council, North American Meat Institute, USA
Rice, and I am sure many others.
As everyone knows in this room, agriculture is more prone
to regional concerns as opposed to partisan battles. I am
pleased to see that in Dr. Bronaugh's current job she serves as
the Treasurer of the Southern Association of State Departments
of Agriculture, part of the National Association of State
Departments of Agriculture, which displays her appreciation and
understanding of Southern agriculture.
As I have stated before, I am a strong believer that past
performance is indicative of future performance, so I believe
Dr. Bronaugh is bound for success at the Department. If
confirmed, I am confident that Dr. Bronaugh and her staff will
continue working in a bipartisan fashion with Congress on
behalf of our farmers, ranchers, and those the Department
serves.
USDA and Congress have a very special relationship, one
that is traditionally very collegial and informative. I hope
that that relationship will grow stronger in the coming days
and months under the guidance of Dr. Bronaugh, and that she
will endeavor to work with Congress in a transparent,
bipartisan manner as we all serve the agriculture constituency.
Despite seeing light at the end of the tunnel, there are
many challenges to getting rural America back to a full
recovery, and open, transparent lines of communication between
USDA and Congress are an important part of doing the work to
reach that goal. I continue to monitor the status of COVID
relief, as I know the Chairwoman is also, and it is imperative
that the CFAP assistance gets to those most in need. I was
troubled when the Biden administration announced a 60-day
review of some of this assistance while advocating for an
additional $1.9 trillion, then passing it on a partisan basis
without the benefit of input from all in Congress.
However, I am pleased to see that some relief has begun to
flow to those who are in need. Accordingly, I encourage you,
Dr. Bronaugh, to work to deliver assistance as expeditiously as
possible to those who continue to struggle with this pandemic.
I also remain concerned about a number of issues in ag
today, including how the administration works with our
producers on issues involving the environment and climate. In
recent years, production agriculture has taken many strides to
be more efficient and environmentally friendly. We need USDA
and other Federal agencies to acknowledge that work and see
agriculture as part of the solution, not part of the problem.
It is important that USDA and this Committee keep farmers
and producers at the forefront of any discussion on climate
change. Heavy-handed, one-size-fits-all regulations simply do
not work. Climate policy that is advanced by this
administration or by others in Congress must be addressed in a
bipartisan fashion with a focus to truly benefit all farmers
across the country, without mandating specific farming
practices. Responding to the demands for immediate, urgent
legislative action on issues that affect our farmers, ranchers,
and producers is important, and it is our job.
As Congress considers additional climate policies, I urge
my colleagues that we should address such legislation in a
diligent, collaborative, and bipartisan manner, because while
bipartisan consensus takes time, it yields greater buy-in, and
hopefully better results.
Dr. Bronaugh, I look forward to hearing from you today and
working with you, if confirmed, and I now yield back to our
Chairwoman.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator Boozman,
and I would now yield to my good friend and colleague from
Virginia, Senator Warner.
STATEMENT OF THE HON. MARK R. WARNER, A U.S. SENATOR FROM THE
STATE OF VIRGINIA
Senator Warner. Well, good morning, everyone, and thank
you, Madam Chair Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman and
distinguished members of the Committee. It is obviously my
distinct pleasure and honor to introduce formally a fellow
Virginian, an outstanding public servant, to serve as President
Biden's Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Dr. Jewel Bronaugh.
Since both Senator Stabenow and Senator Boozman went
through a number of the parts of your background I will only
hit them briefly. Dr. Bronaugh, I do not think we ought to
bring up the fact that the Chairwoman just said that Michigan
was much better than Virginia on a series of agricultural
things. Until we get through the Committee we shouldn't correct
her of that impression.
Chairwoman Stabenow. That is true, Senator Warner. I simply
said we had more diversity of crops, but you are absolutely
right.
Senator Warner. Well, Madam Chair, you know, Dr. Bronaugh
and I would never, never try to contest that, at least until
she is confirmed.
[Laughter.]
Senator Warner. It has already been mentioned, and again I
will just try to hit this very quickly, because I really do
appreciate both you and the Senator from Arkansas. You know a
lot about the nominee's background. She served as the 16th
Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services. She has held that position since 2018. She was the
first African American woman. Senator Boozman brought out the
fact that during COVID she had a very interesting, I think,
program called the Farmer Stress Task Force, to recognize the
challenges that farmers had to endure through the COVID
challenge, and that, again, I think, shows her creativity and
her willingness to lean in.
As has been mentioned already, she understands very well
the mission at USDA. As Commissioner of VDACS she established
the Virginia Food Access Investment Grant Program that looked
at this problem of food deserts, again something I know the
Chairwoman has shown great leadership on, and I think you will
find in Dr. Bronaugh somebody who can also bring creativity to
that position.
You both mentioned, as well, that she served as Dean at the
College of Agriculture at a great university in Virginia,
Virginia State University in Petersburg, again, recognizing
some of the issues around food deserts and food insecurity. She
has obviously worked in some of these previous roles with
Secretary Vilsack. In 2015, she was nominated by then Virginia
Governor Terry McAuliffe and Secretary Vilsack as Virginia
State Executive Director of USDA Farm Service Agency, again
familiar with the very strong Federal agricultural programs
that I know she will help oversee.
This is really a very, very talented public servant. Both
you and the Ranking Member I think have expressed that. I think
the other members of the Committee, as they get a chance to
know Dr. Bronaugh, will realize both her heart for public
service, her willingness to be committed, willingness to shake
things up and try new things as well.
I recommend her 100 percent, without reservation, and would
appreciate the Committee's prompt review of her qualifications.
With that, Madam Chair, I will yield back and, again, Dr.
Bronaugh, once we get you confirmed we can have the debate
about diversity of farm products between Michigan and Virginia.
That will be saved for another time.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you, Senator Warner, and you
should quit while you are ahead.
Senator Warner. I know. Don't worry. I am smart enough to
yield back my 55 seconds, so thank you so much.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Well, thank you very, very much for
that high praise for our nominee.
Now, Dr. Bronaugh, I have two questions for you to address.
I realize we are doing this remotely, but I would ask that you
raise your right hand. I see our nominee. Good morning.
Ms. Bronaugh. Good morning.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Please raise your right hand. Do you
swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to provide is
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help
you God?
Ms. Bronaugh. I do.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you. Second, do you agree that,
if confirmed, you will appear before any duly constituted
Committee of Congress if asked to appear?
Ms. Bronaugh. I will.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. Dr. Bronaugh,
welcome again. I look forward to learning more about your
vision and priorities for the Department of Agriculture, and,
of course, your testimony will be made a part of the record in
its entirety. You may proceed as you desire.
STATEMENT OF JEWEL H. BRONAUGH, M.Ed, Ed.D., OF VIRGINIA, TO BE
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you. I appreciate being here today.
Thank you, Chairwoman Stabenow, Ranking Member Boozman, and
members of this Committee. I also thank Secretary Vilsack for
all of his support, and many thanks to Senator Warner for
joining today for the warm introduction.
First and foremost, thank you for this opportunity. I am
here today with the loving support of my husband, Cleavon, who
happens to be a retired U.S. Army veteran, our beautiful
children, my parents--two teachers who raised me to become an
educator--and so many role models, including Virginia State
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Bettina Ring, and the
farmers, ranchers, and landowners I work for each day.
Happy Earth Day to everybody, as we recognize 51 years of
effort to protect our environment and restore our earth, and we
are wearing the color green today to reflect today and what it
means.
I am honored to have been nominated by President Biden to
serve as the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA. I know
that, if confirmed, I will be the first black woman and woman
of color to serve as Deputy Secretary. As such, I fully
understand the historic nature of this confirmation, along with
the responsibilities of my service in this role. I will join
thousands of dedicated civil servants at USDA who work in every
State and 100 countries around the world. I know from
experience how their work touches the lives of all Americans
each day in so many positive ways. I value their work and I
identify with their selfless commitment.
My parents taught me humility and they encouraged me to
treat others with dignity. I went into education because of my
parents, but I focused on agriculture because I wanted to
inspire young people to build better communities through food
and nutrition. I am also very proud of my career in Cooperative
Extension, where I was first inspired by young people in 4-H,
getting to know the families and communities across Virginia
who produced our food, feed, fiber, and fuel. This led to the
honor of serving as Dean of the College of Agriculture at
Virginia State University, where many of my students were
first-generation college students from rural communities. I am
very proud of those men and women who have become outstanding
leaders in their fields.
In 2015, Secretary Vilsack appointed me to serve as State
Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency, where I led the
implementation of farm bill programs and I personally visited
each of the 41 field offices within my first year of service to
learn more about how FSA programs affected farmers, ranchers,
and forestland owners.
Soon thereafter, I received the appointment as the 16th
Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services. I was proud to work with other State
Commissioners, Directors and Secretaries to prioritize PPE for
farmers and farm workers, advocate for State and Federal
resources to support dairy farmers and poultry producers,
expand opportunities for small and midsized farmers and
ranchers to obtain infrastructure and processing capabilities,
and develop strategies to meet environmental and water quality
goals for the Chesapeake Bay.
Throughout all these experiences and opportunities, it has
been personal interactions with farmers, ranchers, and land
owners that I have found deeply rewarding. I have learned of
their struggles. I have been in their homes and listened to
aging mothers express the fear of losing the family farm
because the children wanted to pursue careers outside of
farming. I spent time with black farmers so inundated with
stress resulting from years of farm debt that they gave up
hope. I have spoken with Hispanic workers who, while working
someone else's land, fully realized their dream of owning their
own farm. I personally experienced the tears of
multigenerational dairy farmers given no other choice but to
sell their dairy herd and the farm that had been in the family
for four generations.
What I took away from each experience is the importance not
only of listening, but hearing what people are saying beneath
the emotion.
What motivates me and inspires me is that with all the
challenges our farmers and ranchers and landowners face today,
I have never met one who is not eternally optimistic.
Throughout the pandemic I spoke with one agricultural producer
after another who somehow found ways to realign their operation
to meet the demands of an altered food supply chain. They only
required help to provide a voice to assist them in obtaining
resources that they needed for financial survival. If America's
farmers and ranchers can find a way to stay positive and
committed to their work, then I am obligated to use my voice,
and, if confirmed, to do what I can to provide help and
assistance in building our rural economy back stronger.
Each time I speak with Secretary Vilsack, we discuss
equity. I share the Secretary's commitment to take bold action,
to work with this Committee to address discrimination in all
its forms across USDA. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln established
USDA. In 1864, he called it ``The People's Department.'' I
believe it should be just that: the department for all people.
I am here today to commit that, if confirmed, I will be a
champion for all farmers, producers, families, and rural
communities who rely on USDA. I will remain committed to
helping lead a Department that serves all Americans equally. I
am grateful for your time and I welcome any questions you may
have, and thank you.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Bronaugh can be found on
page 34 in the appendix.]
Chairwoman Stabenow. Well, thank you so much, Dr. Bronaugh.
Thank you so much for those comments, and we will now begin a
round of five-minute questions from each member. As I begin, on
a personal level I just wanted to say I was so pleased that I
saw you were involved in 4-H. I spent my life growing up in 4-
H, and I think it is such a wonderful leadership tool for young
people, and I appreciate the fact that you understand that, so
that was great to see.
Dr. Bronaugh, your current position as Commissioner of
Agriculture of Virginia, and your previous service leading the
USDA's Farm Service Agency in the State has given you
tremendous insight, as you talked about, into the needs of
farmers and ranchers, and I think this experience will serve
you well if you are confirmed as Deputy Secretary.
As you know, American agriculture is incredibly diverse.
Could you talk more about the lessons you have learned about
how USDA can reach all farmers, big and small, conventional and
organic, regardless of who they are and what they grow?
Ms. Bronaugh. Yes. Thank you, Senator Stabenow, and I first
want to start by saying I am excited to see this Committee pass
the Growing Climate Solutions Act with such bipartisan
leadership. I look forward to engaging with you, Senator Braun,
Senator Boozman, and other members of the Committee to ensure
that we have a timely and important effort to impact climate
change.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you for your question. When I think
about all that USDA does, you know, we have programs for all of
the major priorities that we face in this country today. I
think about the major priorities of the pandemic and addressing
issues around health, climate change, racial equity, and
building our rural economy back stronger, and USDA certainly
has programs that affect all of those major priorities and can
be used to address those priorities.
Senator Stabenow, you asked about my background and my
experience in how we can utilize USDA programs, and I can go
back to my first experiences in research and Extension where it
was critical that we relied on science-based information and
funding through NIFA, through ERS and ARS.
You mentioned 4-H and youth development. Youth development
in the 4-H organization is one of the strongest in the world
because it relies on research-based information and the focus
on youth development as a body of knowledge, a science for
really working to improve our young people and their
leadership. Of course, the technical assistance aspect of
programs that USDA provides has been critically important.
At Virginia State University, an 1890 land grant
institution, we utilize many resources from USDA to address
small and midsized and minority farmers, things that they
needed--cold storage infrastructure, micro loans, grant
opportunities like the Specialty Crop Block Grant, and the 2501
Program that we have relied on significantly. We also utilized
resources in nutrition, in terms of trying to expand greater
usage of SNAP and WIC. Then, of course, how we can access
small-scale infrastructure through farm storage facility loans
and others.
At FSA, I understood the critical safety net that USDA
provided, the need for a strong crop insurance program,
directing guaranteed loans, disaster assistance. Very
important. Then I learned about the connections in the local
office, where you had co-located NRCS programs that focused on
conservation the ability to work in that local office through
those important partnerships and those conservation efforts.
At the Virginia Department of Agriculture, USDA impacts us,
and we work with them in many ways--in international trade,
food safety, for example, food distribution, animal and plant
health, and, of course, broadband expansion.
It does not matter the size or the type of operation that
you are. There is a program at USDA that can work to address
our most critical needs that we face in agriculture today.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Great. Well, thank you very much. Just
in closing my comments, one other question. You mentioned high-
speed internet access, and when we look at our small towns and
rural communities, we have a host of challenges. Certainly
COVID showed us how the lack of high-speed internet access is
so critical in so many areas. Aging infrastructure, you know,
maintaining families, sustainable jobs, what more can USDA do
to address these issues and create economic opportunities in
rural America?
Ms. Bronaugh. Well, we have a great opportunity, Senator
Stabenow. You know, in thinking about opportunity for things
like clean energy jobs in rural America, there is a great
opportunity in terms of supporting renewable fuels, bio-based,
product development, for example. Opportunities to manage our
forests and grasslands, and you mentioned our broadband
infrastructure. There are great opportunities through utilizing
USDA programs such as ReConnect, in reaching that last mile of
broadband infrastructure. That helps with telehealth, with
small businesses development, distance learning.
Also, helping to renew the electrical grid in our rural
communities is very important, and, of course, USDA has many
opportunities around that. Improving housing, restoring our
schools, being able to help with hospitals who can provide
vaccinations, and then safe drinking water is so important to
our Tribal communities and our rural communities.
We have a lot of opportunity through rural development
programs to make an impact to address climate, to address
infrastructure, and other important resources for our rural
communities. If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I look
forward to working with all aspects of USDA to continue to
strengthen our rural communities and make them as strong as
they can be.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you so much. I am going to turn
now to Senator Boozman.
Senator Boozman. Thank you, Madam Chair, and again, we
appreciate, Dr. Bronaugh, your willingness to serve. My girls
also were very active in 4-H. I have three daughters and they
were all State record-book winners, and it was a tremendous
benefit, not only to them but to our entire family. We
appreciate your advocacy there and your hard work.
Also, I was with Wes Ward, our State Ag Secretary, last
weekend, and he said to be sure and get on the stick and do all
I could to help you get confirmed. He is one of your major
cheerleaders. It is nice to hear from people that actually know
you well and appreciate the service that you have done.
Let me ask you about a couple of things that I think are
important that I want to put in your mind. Section 1005 of the
American Rescue Plan included ``such sums as necessary'' for
the cost of loan modifications and payments to socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers who had outstanding Farm
Service Agency farm loan debt as of January 1, 2021.
One of the problems that has occurred is that we have heard
from a number of ag lenders that partner with USDA to make Farm
Service Agency guaranteed farm loans to socially disadvantaged
farmers who could be negatively impacted by the program if USDA
is not careful. These are lenders that, again, are so helpful
to these individuals.
If USDA is not careful in how it administers this--Section
1005 provides for the cost of USDA's lost future interest on
FSA direct loans--it would be both unfair and unfortunate if
USDA failed to provide the same relief to FSA's private sector
lending partners. Also, not only would it be unfair, but I
think we have the potential of some of those lenders leaving
the market and making it more difficult for individuals to get
loans.
I would ask you to commit to providing the same relief to
FSA's guaranteed farm lenders and, at the very least, make this
a priority to find out how we can, again, treat everybody in a
fair manner.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Boozman, and I appreciated
conservations that I had with you recently, understanding that
agriculture is 25 percent of the economy in your State. Please
tell Wes Ward that I said hello. It was good chatting with you.
Senator Boozman, you talk about a critical issue in terms
of farm loans, direct and guaranteed loans, and you also talk
about those loans being available to all farmers. I think as we
work through some of the challenges, working with our socially
disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, it will be important to
ensure that we have those resources in the direct and
guaranteed loan program. If I have the opportunity to be
confirmed, I will work with USDA to ensure that through FSA we
have the loans full and available to all of our Nation's
farmers and ranchers.
Senator Boozman. Thank you very much. Dr. Bronaugh, in
order to ensure legal compliance with FOIA, the Federal Records
Act, other Federal laws, best practices, and to be as
transparent as possible, will you commit to ensuring that those
employed at USDA, whether they are political appointees or
those that serve in the career service, use official government
email accounts, not personal email, when discussing or working
on USDA-related business? Will you further commit to keeping
Congress informed of USDA's compliance with such laws and
principles?
Ms. Bronaugh. Yes. Senator Boozman, if confirmed, I will
make sure that all USDA employees comply with all rules and
expectations of the Federal Government. We always want to make
sure that we are doing business in the most appropriate way.
Senator Boozman. Also regarding that, if confirmed, will
you commit, without reservation, to notify Congress in advance
of any public announcement of any major changes regarding
policy decisions, programmatic or otherwise, whether made by
you or the Department during your tenure? Further, if
confirmed, will you commit to ensuring the Department provides
timely responses to stakeholders seeking assistance or
information on programs and practices impacting the agriculture
community?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Boozman, yes. If confirmed, I will
commit to timely responses to our important stakeholders, as
well as to consistent and open communication with Members of
Congress.
Senator Boozman. Good. Also, very importantly, letting
Congress know, letting the Committee know, in advance, with
programmatic changes. Those things certainly are expected and
very, very helpful. With that I yield back.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator Boozman.
I believe we have Senator Gillibrand is next.
Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. Thank you,
Dr. Bronaugh, for being here today, and congratulations on your
historic nomination.
First I would like to talk about dairy. In the 2018 Farm
Bill, there was language that changed the price calculation for
Class I milk. This change was implemented in 2019, and what it
did was change the pricing calculation for Class I milk, which
previously was calculated to use the ``higher of Class III or
Class IV price, plus applicable Class I differential, to an
averaging method of those two classes plus $0.74.'' This
current Class I milk pricing cannot be changed until May 2021,
after which it can be modified, either through legislation or
an amendment to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders.
I have heard from our dairy farmers across New York and the
country who have stated this change has caused dairy farmers
collectively to suffer a net loss of hundreds of millions of
dollars during the almost two years this rule has been in
place. Now that we are almost at the full two-year mark for
this rule to be changed, USDA has an opportunity to resolve
this issue by giving farmers a chance to revert back to the old
method of calculating Class I milk by basing it off of the
higher of Class III or Class IV price. This one change would
put money back in dairy farmers' pockets immediately.
Do you think this is a change we should make?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Gillibrand, it is great to meet you.
Dairy is the third-largest commodity in the commonwealth of
Virginia, and I do understand the importance of ensuring that
they get stabilized prices for their milk, and we need to
support the dairy industry.
If confirmed, in terms of the milk pricing rule, I look to
learn more about the process, and, if confirmed, I will
followup with your office for further discussion to see what
the USDA can do in order to move forward with the milk pricing
rule.
Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. I think it is really
important that you listen to farmers on this issue. Not all the
organizations that purport to speak for them actually do. I
would be grateful if you could commit to holding Federal Milk
Marketing Order hearings and give a chance for amendments to be
offered.
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Gillibrand, I understand the
importance of that farmer engagement. It is very important. If
confirmed, we will be sure to engage in conservations with
important dairy stakeholders and others prior to making
decisions.
Senator Gillibrand. Okay. Earlier this week, the USDA
announced that they were extending free school meals for all
students through 2021-2022 school year by continuing the
existing waivers that had been granted due to the pandemic.
This is welcome news and gives both schools and parents peace
of mind that children will have free school meals for at least
one more year.
However, we do need to go further and make universal free
school meals a reality even when a pandemic is not present. Dr.
Bronaugh, can you speak to what the impact of universal school
meals has had on children's health, nutrition, and education
during this pandemic, and will you be a supporter within USDA
of a universal school meals program, even after the pandemic is
over?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Gillibrand, you spoke about the
importance of the school waivers, which I think provide an
opportunity for food during the pandemic, and nutritious food
that we can provide in a safe and healthy way. It provides
flexibilities for our schools to be able to try to meet those
needs.
In terms of universal free meals, that is something that I
think would be incredibly important to, one, look at research
and data, but to rely on conversations with Congress in order
to determine how to best move forward. If confirmed, I look
forward to engaging with your office and other members of this
Committee to determine how we can continue to offer school
meals and other nutritional support and flexibilities to our
school system to do so.
Senator Gillibrand. Thank you. The economic viability of
more than 1,300 organic farms in New York depends on making
sure that all organic operations operate under the same rules
and that all certifiers are interpreting the standards
consistently. There are several long-overdue rulemakings that
are critical to the organic farm sector, including organic
livestock and poultry practices, the Strengthening Organic
Enforcement Rule.
Today, I want to ask you about one specific rulemaking that
is long overdue, which is the Origin of Livestock regulation,
which would close loopholes in the organic standards related to
transitioning of conventional dairy cows into organic dairy
operations. Those operations that used the loophole to
continuously transition conventional animals into organic
production are gaining an economic advantage over the other
organic dairy farms that are meeting the standard.
Will you commit to instructing the National Organic Program
to finalize an enforcement rule on Origin of Livestock as
quickly as possible so that New York organic dairy operations
are not so economically disadvantaged?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Gillibrand, I understand the
importance of the Origin of Livestock rule. If confirmed, I
will work with USDA to become fully informed on how we will
need to move forward with this rule, and as such, after
guidance we will work with your office and any other members of
this Committee ensuring that we move forward in the appropriate
way.
Senator Gillibrand. Thank you, Ms. Bronaugh. I appreciate
your testimony, and congratulations.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. Now Senator
Ernst.
Senator Ernst. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you as
well, Dr. Bronaugh. It is wonderful to have you in front of the
Committee today, and I am very excited about the extensive
experience that you are bringing into this position.
I do appreciate your dedication to improving farmer mental
health, and that is an area that I have focused on here in the
U.S. Senate and worked with Senator Tammy Baldwin. We really
appreciate the Farmer Stress and Mental Health Task Force in
Virginia. I think that is a wonderful step forward to ensuring
the mental health of our farmers and ranchers. Thank you very
much for that.
Now one concern that I do have is the use of Executive
orders by the Biden administration to address climate change
and to institute policy. I am certain that everyone in this
room really does care about our environment, and, in fact, I
would argue that our farmers are our Nation's first
conservationists. I say that all the time.
That being said, we have seen countless proposals from the
30x30 land rule to transitioning the Federal fleet to electric
vehicles, and just last week we saw USTR announce the need to
fight climate change with trade policies.
Clean water, soil, and air are a top priority for our
farmers, but what I worry is that the Biden administration's
singular focus on climate policy could actually create an
environment where our farmers and producers are not seen as
part of the solution but instead they are being targeted as the
problem. The path forward really does have to be a bipartisan
one.
Will you commit to advocating for our farmers, our
producers, and rural communities as the administration
continues to roll out their executive edicts on climate?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you very much, Senator Ernst, and there
has been a lot of discussion around climate change. As you
mentioned, it is a bipartisan effort to move forward. As such,
it will be critical that we keep our farmers first, in any
discussions and decisions that are made in terms of climate
change, that anything that we do regarding decisions around
climate change are voluntary and incentive based.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I will ensure
that we keep our farmers, ranchers, and landowners first in
discussions and plans to address climate change and additional
efforts in this regard.
Senator Ernst. Thank you very much. Many of those issues,
and as I just stated, of course working with USTR and some of
the announcements there, what I would like to know from you, of
course, is how you would work with other agencies like the
USTR, the EPA, a number of those agencies that have shared
Federal jurisdictions, to defend our farmers and producers with
the issues that are very important to them? How will you work
with those other Federal agencies?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Ernst, for that question.
You know, it is important that we always work with Federal
agencies--I call them our sister agencies--to inform them about
how the decisions that they make affect our clientele. Things
that are related to agriculture, forestry, are things that I
believe our Nation's farmers and ranchers and landowners would
expect USDA to make critical decisions about.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I will commit to
working with Secretary Vilsack to ensure that we stay in
contact with those agencies, we talk about the impacts of their
decisions on our clientele, and ensure that we fight for our
agricultural producers and their rights and needs going
forward.
Senator Ernst. Thank you. I really do appreciate that. I
think it is important, because decisions made in those other
Federal agencies obviously impact our farmers and ranchers
which heavily. Congratulations on your nomination, and I
appreciate your testimony today. Thank you. Thank you, Madam
Chair.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. Senator Ernst, as
you were speaking I was thinking that that is why I am so glad
we passed the Growing Climate Solutions Act as a voluntary
program through the USDA. Very important. Thank you for your
questions.
I am not sure if we have Senator Warnock with us. If he is,
he would be next up.
[No response.]
Chairwoman Stabenow. If not, we will go to Senator Hyde-
Smith.
Senator Hyde-Smith. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I certainly
appreciate the opportunity to be here today. As a former
Commissioner of Agriculture, I know that we did not serve
together, but I sure hear good things about you. In our visit
before, as I told you, I am very proud of you today.
One of the things that I am working on in Mississippi right
now is very important to me. We have had some great discussions
already in this hearing about dairy, that is very important,
and climate change. One of the specific things that I am
working on, that I am going to take this opportunity to discuss
with you now, and present a question on, is Section 8631 of the
2018 Farm Bill which authorized a transfer of 150 acres on the
Homochitto National Forest from the U.S. Forest Service to the
Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, a regional organization
dedicated to rural economic development and outdoor recreation,
in southwest Mississippi.
The provision in the farm bill authorizing this transfer
would specifically support much-needed rural economic
development in southwest Mississippi. There is a lot going on
in that area regarding agriculture, but this is rural economic
development that we are focusing on right now.
The Forest Service has worked with the Scenic Rivers and
the transfer is nearly complete. We are working on a date now
for the announcement. The development plan for the land
includes a lodge-style hotel, conference center, and many other
amenities that will attract visitors to this remote region and
pretty part of our State. I am confident it will bring
tremendous economic benefits to this large rural area. It is
currently an underserved area, very underserved.
An updated master plan for the Homochitto National Forest
would complement Scenic Rivers' development plan in a very
significant way. This is something that we really need from the
Forest Service.
If confirmed, with a confidence the transfer will be
finalized in the coming weeks, will you help ensure the U.S.
Forest Service continues working closely with the Scenic Rivers
Development Alliance to ensure maximum benefits from this
exciting rural economic development project? We are very
excited about this project because there has not been anything
in southwest Mississippi in a very long time. This is a great
opportunity.
I am just asking you, if you are confirmed, would you
continue to work and make sure that this comes to fruition, to
the best of your ability?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Hyde-Smith, it is great to see you. I
have my genuine Mississippi logo binder right here with me, and
it is great to talk about all of the great economic development
work around agriculture that is done in the State of
Mississippi. If confirmed, I will confer with the Forest
Service to ensure that they are able to work closely with the
Scenic Rivers project and to identify any other challenges and
issues, and I am happy to followup with your office as a
followup in this regard.
Senator Hyde-Smith. Thank you so very much, because that is
important. I really look forward to working with you. I think
we are going to see some very good things.
My second question. In June 2020, the U.S. International
Trade Commission announced an initiation of a countervailing
duty investigation on phosphate fertilizer imports from
Morocco. I raised this issue during Secretary Vilsack's
confirmation hearing. The imposed tariffs are currently under
appeal. Since the initiation of this case, the uncertainty of
available fertilizer supplies has driven costs up
significantly, at a time when commodity prices are just
beginning to rebound.
Now is not the time to increase costs to farmers by as much
as 25 to 30 percent. We are hearing a lot from our farmers, as
you can imagine, on this cost increase.
If confirmed, will you ensure that USDA remains engaged
with the Department of Commerce to be a voice for American
agriculture producers as this process continues?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Hyde-Smith, if I have the opportunity
to be confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary
Vilsack and the International Trade Commission to ensure that
we are in a competitive position to have a solid and affordable
supply of phosphate fertilizer, and to also utilize USDA
programs to continue to educate our Nation's producers around
the efficient and effective use of fertilizer so as not to lead
to overfertilization.
Senator Hyde-Smith. Thank you very much for that response.
We are going to get you another genuine Mississippi notebook to
make sure that that does not wear out, and if it does, you are
going to have one to replace it. I so appreciate everything you
have done for agriculture, and I think you are an outstanding
nominee and look forward to supporting that.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. We will now, I
believe Senator Brown is with us, so we will turn to Senator
Brown, and then as we are monitoring who is available and who
is here in the room at the moment, it would be Senator Brown
and then Senator Tuberville, who is here in person, and then
Senator Warnock would be the next three, as the situation is
currently in front of us.
Senator Brown.
Senator Brown. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I see on the
screen my friend, Senator Warnock, who is also coming back to
the Banking and Housing Committee. In his first year in the
Senate he has seen the complexities of even schedule, so thank
you, Senator Stabenow, for that.
Dr. Bronaugh, congratulations on your nomination. I was
pleased to learn, when we spoke a few weeks ag--I very much
enjoyed our telephone conversation--that you spent a few years
living in Toledo and teaching at Bowling Green State
University, one of our great State universities in my State. I
would be more than happy, after you are confirmed, and I plan
to support you and I am very confident you will be confirmed,
to welcome you back to northwest Ohio, perhaps, this time to
talk about soil health in the Western Lake Erie Basin and algae
blooms, and the challenges for the shallowest of the Great
Lakes, the shallowest 30 or 40 feet in the Western Basin.
As I may have told you, my favorite Lake Erie trivia is
that Lake Erie, of all the Great Lakes' water, Lake Erie is two
percent of the water but has 50 percent of the fish of all the
Great Lakes, and that is why it is so, so important that lake
be clean.
You had first-hand experience as an Extension agent, and we
talked. Do Extension agents have the tools they need to stay
relevant to farmers in rural communities? If the answer is not
quite a resounding yes, how do we improve this service to help
communities and American agriculture tackle 21st century
problems?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Brown, and it is great to
talk to you about my time at Bowling Green State University. I
appreciate the education and some of the reminders about the
great town of Bowling Green and that university.
I come from a background of cooperative extension, which
has, I think, some of the most powerful networks of really
providing research-based information to make important change.
There is that outreach that extends to most counties all across
the Nation, and it is a powerful network. I think there is
power in the partnership with the land grant institutions, in
order to be able to provide the latest in research-based
information, science-based information that translates into
effective agricultural practices.
In Virginia, we are concerned about financial resources to
support our Extension agents, to make sure that they receive
the professional development that they need, because they are
still valued. I think we have great opportunities to really
further engage them, and as you said, some of the new concerns
that we have as our world continues to change and our emphasis
refocus in all areas.
If confirmed, I very much look forward to working with our
resources--NIFA, ARS, ERS, and others--to fully engage our
Extension professionals in fully ensuring that they can meet
the challenges that face us all today.
Senator Brown. Thank you. Talk, if you would, as your
experience as Commissioner of Agriculture, describe your work
on rural mental health and the best practices to strengthen
these programs. Ohio has been terribly afflicted with mental
health issues coming out of opioid addiction, coming out of
this COVID, coming out of isolation in rural areas, coming out
of rural poverty, all of that that I know you saw especially in
southwest Virginia when you were the State Commissioner of
Agriculture. Talk about what we do with rural mental health.
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Brown, I appreciate the opportunity
to respond, and I will say from a personal standpoint it really
started with my engagement with dairy farmers, who, when you
think about the role that a dairy farmer has in milking 365
days a year, twice a day, sometimes more, no breaks,
conversations with dairy farmers personally really informed me
of some of the challenges. We saw many challenges.
I also remember the president of our Virginia Farm Bureau,
who is a very successful farmer by all standards, very
successful person, and he personally talked about sending his
son to Virginia Tech with the plans to take over the family
farm, and he said, ``I don't know if there will be a family
farm for him to take over.'' He said, ``I am stressed out about
it, and I wanted to make sure I talked with someone.'' He
looked me in the eye, and he said, ``I need you to do something
about it.'' I took that very seriously as I embarked on various
conversations.
We did form a Farmer Stress Task Force, and, one, we wanted
to raise the level of awareness of farmer stress; two, we
wanted to identify resources that farmers could access if they
needed help, because we all know our farmers and ranchers are
very proud individuals, who will work through any
circumstances, and as I said in my opening remarks, stay
eternally optimistic.
We are doing that in addition to training Extension agents
on how to identify when a farmer or landowner was stressed and
needed assistance, and also working on helping farmers and
ranchers with working on their finances and being able to
determine how they can really make decisions about what they
are going to do to continue to operate or even to opt out, are
some of the strategies that we have utilized in Virginia, and
other States have done so as well.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I would look
forward to moving forward with how to continue to address that.
Senator Brown. Thank you. You have my enthusiastic support.
I would only add--I know my time has expired, Chair Stabenow--
that I grew up milking. I hear those stories that you share.
Even though this was 40 years ago, I hear those stories. I grew
up working, milking Holsteins and Guernseys, mostly Guernseys
in those days, which shows how old I am. I certainly heard
those stories of how do we hand this farm over to the next
generation and the mental health issues that swirl around it.
Thank you very much. Thanks, Madam Chair.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. Senator
Tuberville.
Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Madam Chair. Thank you,
Doctor, for that comment on mental health. Our farmers have
really struggled over the last year with this pandemic.
Sometimes they are forgotten in those critical areas. I really
enjoyed your visit last week.
Dr. Bronaugh, Alabama's farmers and rural communities
consistently work directly with the Department of Agriculture.
It is a vital Federal department that citizens in Alabama must
have a working relationship with and open line of dialog.
From the fields of our commodity producers to the school
cafeterias and all the rural development needs, including
broadband deployment, your job with USDA is across a vast area
of policy, but it also includes direct access to citizens
across the country.
Diversified family farms crisscross all over my home State
of Alabama and we must ensure they continue for decades to
come. Most of these small businesses have been in the family
for generations and we cannot allow any government policies to
drive them out of business. Farmers already have it tough
competing against Mother Nature and the world market prices.
Although you do not have a lot of background in production
agriculture, how will you implement policy and develop
strategies that keep our rural communities and family farms
thriving for the future?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator. That is a great question,
and I think one of the greatest challenges that we face in our
family farms is how do we find adequate markets for products? I
think that is always that question, of how do we identify those
markets. It will certainly be important to look at all of our
options, including how we can more fully engage in products
internationally, in international exports, how we can be
competitive, either in new market opportunities or more
competitive in our current trade agreements.
I think we also want to look at how we can consider
opportunities in local and regional markets. I think they
provide great opportunities that will help continue to provide
economic opportunities for our farmers and ranchers, and even
more today, the ability to address important climate change
goals and conservation practices. Those provide considerable
market benefits for all of our products, for them to be able to
engage in renewable energy, bio-based markets, ecosystems
markets. There are significant opportunities around our
conservation and climate change goals that I think can further
support our farmers and ranchers, all of our farmers and
ranchers.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I will work with
USDA programs, and Secretary Vilsack, to ensure that we can
engage our farmers and ranchers in as many market opportunities
as possible, and to utilize our programs and resources to
support our farmers.
Senator Tuberville. Thank you. You know, given your
backgrounds serving as a State Director with the Farm Service
Agency, Alabama has suffered in the past with unstaffed and
deficient offices and county offices around the State. In your
testimony, you talked about the hands-on approach with visiting
county offices and State directors. I hope your experience in
seeing these offices and their needs can assist you as you will
now have nationwide exposure to FSA offices.
How will you maintain FSA offices, and specifically, will
you commit to using all hiring authorities to keep Alabama FSA
offices fully staffed and trained, because we have terrible
storms, and have had terrible storms, and we need to be fully
staffed.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator, for that question, and I
recognize again the reason that I visited those offices,
because I wanted to learn about how the staff and the work in
those offices impacts the clientele that they serve. Certainly
our staff in FSA offices need to be recognized for the hard
work and dedication that they have provided, even during the
pandemic, in providing critical services to our farmers and
ranchers. They are in a very important place.
I understand the staffing needs, and if I have the
opportunity to be confirmed, I look forward to learning more,
as I do not have specific details about current staffing
levels. I did remember Secretary Vilsack, in a recent hearing,
talking about flexibilities and allowing staff options to
telework or work face-to-face in the office. We will think
about creative opportunities to try to address those staffing
needs, while we continue to work to keep the current workers in
the office safe. I look forward to, if confirmed, fully looking
at the staffing needs in the FSA office.
Senator Tuberville. Thank you, Doctor. Thank you, Madam
Chair.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much. Next we have
Senator Lujan, and then next it will be Senator Marshall.
Senator Lujan. Thank you so much, Madam Chair Stabenow. It
is an honor to be with you again today, and thank you for this
important hearing, and the markup today, as well, and
successful support from all of our colleagues. I also want to
recognize Ranking Member Boozman for holding this hearing today
as well. The importance of having the full slate of leadership
positions confirmed at USDA is essential to addressing the
pressing issues facing the diverse populations that rely on
USDA service.
I am eager to work with the Chairwoman on getting those key
positions confirmed. I look forward to working with Secretary
Vilsack and his team to increase opportunities for value-added
agriculture, acknowledge traditional land and food use and USDA
programs, address past discriminatory practices and expand
outreach to those impacted communities.
I would also be remiss if I did not just recognize the work
that Secretary Vilsack and his team did to already help some
farmers that were discriminated against under the previous
administration, and to be able to make them whole. I just want
to express my gratitude to the Secretary for that.
Now historically underserved farmer outreach, Dr. Bronaugh,
is something very important to me. Now you have a very
impressive resume. What strikes me the most about your
background is the breadth of your experience. Importantly, you
have held positions at the Federal, State, and university
level. Farmers and ranchers in New Mexico have been impacted by
these past negative practices at the USDA, and I am grateful
that this Committee and Congress have identified these
shortcomings as a top priority to be addressed by this
administration, and as I opened, have already been recognized
and corrective action has been taken by Secretary Vilsack and
his team.
In addition to the diverse population of farmers and
ranchers in my State, we also produce a diverse set of
products, such as the world-famous and best-in-the-world green
chile. You can find it on everything that we serve and
everywhere that it goes, and to my colleagues up in Colorado,
you can be grateful for that chile seed being produced in New
Mexico, as well, for those chile products that they benefit
from. Whether you are having green chile or you are having
Chimayo red, pecans, dairy, cheese, chances are if you are
eating pizza in the western part of America you are getting
mozzarella from New Mexico.
We also pride ourselves on our historic land use and our
access, traditionally Hispanic communities, programs for Native
American farmers and producers. As we develop farm assistance
programs, we must recognize the unique needs of farmers across
the Nation, and make sure the USDA's policymaking reflects the
diversity of our Nation's farming communities.
Will you work with me to address USDA's past discriminatory
practices and history of ineffective outreach to historically
underserved populations?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Lujan, it is a pleasure to see you
today, and I have had the opportunity--you have a great Ag
Commissioner in New Mexico, and I had an opportunity to visit,
and the green chiles were a little hot for me but it was very
good to have that opportunity.
You know, you bring up a very important point about
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers and farmers of
color. I think the Biden administration has been clear about
making racial equity a priority. Secretary Vilsack, as you
stated, has been also fully committed as we recognize that we
have been impacted by the cumulative effects of years of not
addressing policies and regulations and guidelines that have
impacted our farmers of color who bring a great amount of value
to agricultural production.
We have been fortunate, with recent funding through the
American Rescue Plan, to have resources to address the needs of
socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. If I have the
opportunity to be confirmed I look forward in engaging with the
USDA to expand the work that we are currently doing to ensure
that we remove barriers, provide technical assistance and
outreach to engage all of our farmers and ranchers of color.
Senator Lujan. Dr. Bronaugh, how do you plan on bringing a
fresh approach to how USDA conducts outreach to these
populations?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Lujan. One of the things
that you mentioned is my varied background, and one of the
things that I was able to learn on the ground, especially
working with Extension and doing work at the university was,
you know, the type of outreach. We have many opportunities to
engage people in socially disadvantaged communities' trust. I
have been able to work with community-based organizations and
faith-based organizations, working with Tribal leaders and
others in order to ensure that critical resources get to those
communities to further engage them.
If I am confirmed, I look forward to engaging with all of
our stakeholders to determine how we can get information out
effectively, it reaches the audiences we need to serve, that
they understand how to use the resources and tools at USDA and
can be fully engaged in our programs.
Senator Lujan. Thank you. Madam Chair Stabenow, I do have a
few other questions. I will submit them into the record so we
can just get a response there.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Absolutely.
Senator Lujan. I definitely want to thank Dr. Bronaugh for
being here today, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you so much.
Senator Marshall.
Senator Marshall. Thank you, Madam Chair, and I just wanted
to start by saying thank you and congratulations on getting the
Growing Climate Solutions Act of 2021 out of Committee, Ranking
Member Boozman, Senator Braun as well. We probably will not
make the news tonight, but this may be the most significant
legislation that comes out of this body this year. This is an
example of how it is supposed to work up here. I appreciate you
letting a freshman Senator from Kansas having some input on the
bill, and truly believe that we can take two plus two, using
your ideas, our ideas, and make eight out of it.
Congratulations, and really, thank you from all the ag
producers in the State of Kansas for letting us give input on
that bill.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you so much for your support and
input.
Senator Marshall. You are welcome. I will turn now, of
course, to Dr. Bronaugh. It is great to meet you virtually. I
want to talk about biofuels for just a second. Farmers and
ranchers are the original conservationists. Nobody is more
motivated to leave our environment cleaner, healthier, safer,
for our children, for our grandchildren than farmers and
ranchers. I think biofuels can have a great impact on that and
for this entire world.
I am convinced that the carbon footprint of a renewable
diesel or biodiesel-driven cars, tractors have a lower carbon
output from start to finish. When you look through the whole
cycle of making everything that goes in that car or truck, to
the tailpipe emission, to the final disposal of that, that they
will have a lower carbon footprint than electric cars. I am
just curious about your thoughts on biofuels.
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Marshall, it is great to see you and
chat with you about all the creative work you all are doing in
the State of Kansas. You know, we think about, you mentioned
the Growing Climate Solutions Act and all of our work that we
will do to address climate change, and, you know, we will be
challenged to use many tools in our tool belt for doing so. The
use of biofuels, ethanol, and bioenergy have a critical role to
play in helping to reduce carbon emissions and helping to
address critical climate change goals.
I think it will be very important to educate people on the
environmental benefits of biofuels and bioenergy, to expand
uses for bioenergy--you know, there are opportunities with uses
in sustainable jet fuel, in the fleet of vehicles at USDA and
our sister agencies--and really promote renewable fuels
production and infrastructure development so we can expand the
use of biofuels, and more people can purchase biofuel. That we
can also think about how we can utilize bioenergy production
and renewable fuels to create clean energy job throughout rural
America.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I will join
Secretary Vilsack and members of the industry, corn industry
and others, in fully supporting the use of biofuels and
bioenergy to reach important climate change goals.
Senator Marshall. Thank you for that answer, and we do
appreciate your support.
I want to talk just for a second about NIFA and ERS, that
those offices were moved to the greater Kansas City metro area.
Gosh, it feels like two years ago that I was there welcoming
them. The whole concept is, No. 1, it would save American
taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by having that
office located in Kansas City as opposed to expensive
realestate in Washington, DC.--the cost of living is a little
bit less there--but more importantly, putting those offices
closer to the people who use those services.
We just want to know your commitment to keep those offices
there in Kansas City and see this mission through. It was given
years of study and it was felt like that was the best solution.
We are proud to have them there. We are very proud that they
are in triangle of agriculture, education, excellence. All my
hats off to the Virginia schools, but we are very proud of the
opportunities there in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, just
to say a few States right there.
How would you feel about supporting keeping those offices
there?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Marshall, for that
question. You know, I have read about the move of NIFA and ERS.
Certainly Kansas is a great State. I do understand, from
reading an Office of Personnel Management survey, that the
change did affect staffing challenges. I have not discussed any
details about how USDA will move forward with regards to a
Kansas City location or other locations. You know, I am sure
that Secretary Vilsack is aware of how we will move forward,
and, if confirmed, I look forward to engaging with the
Secretary regarding any other decisions around NIFA and ERS.
Senator Marshall. Thank you so much, and I yield back.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator. Senator
Warnock is next, and then Senator Grassley.
Senator Warnock. Thank you so much, Madam Chair, and Dr.
Bronaugh, congratulations on your historic nomination to be
Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Your
resume speaks for itself, Commissioner of Ag for the State of
Virginia, State Director of the Farm Service Agency, Dean at
Virginia State. You are more than qualified, and you are indeed
the right pick for the job.
I also appreciate the time that we had the other day,
discussing some of my priorities ahead of today's hearing. As
you know, I am very pleased to have my Emergency Relief for
Farmers of Color Act included in the American Rescue Plan,
signed into law by President Biden. This targeted relief,
including debt relief on outstanding USDA loans, and $1 billion
in investment will help farmers of color recover from the
economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, while also beginning
the long process of addressing years--decades, really--of
systemic racial discrimination against farmers of color at the
hands of their own U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Bronaugh, if confirmed, you and your office will play a
critical role in implementing these provisions for farmers of
color. Do I have your commitment to work with me and others on
the implementation of these provisions?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Warnock, great to see you, and I
appreciate the opportunity to speak with you earlier this week.
You know, I talked about the commitment of addressing racial
equity. We have lost 90 percent of black farmers over the
years, and that is a critical loss. Secretary Vilsack has
spoken publicly that he looks forward to me working with him to
help address this issue. We have been fortunate to receive
funding from the American Rescue Plan, as you noted, to be able
to support our farmers and ranchers of color.
We are also fortunate that we will have funds to establish
an equity commission, which I imagine I will be engaged with,
and a racial justice and equity working group, who is already
identifying gaps and barriers to programs. I would imagine I
will be closely involved with that. If I have the opportunity
to be confirmed, will work with members of this Committee and
other important stakeholders in ways that I will be closely
engaged in moving forward to address this important issue.
Senator Warnock. Well, I am grateful to know that you will
ensure that the voices of farmers of color are heard at the
highest levels of our U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is
something I have also discussed with Secretary Vilsack, and he
is very much aware of my concerns there, and again, decades of
discrimination and deep disappointment, which has led to deep
distrust, and understandably so from farmers of color. All of
this, of course, exacerbated by the pandemic.
As we look ahead, Georgia farmers are seeking guidance from
the USDA on the implementation of these provisions. They need
guidance on how debt relief will be administered, and a better
understanding of just how they can provide input in regard to
the $1 billion in investments aimed at supporting farmers of
color.
A concern that I keep hearing from farmers of color who
are, again, encouraged by the legislation but, honestly, they
said, ``Senator, we are worried, and we are concerned that we
are going to get disappointed again.'' They are frustrated, in
the meantime, that their loan payments have not been paused by
the USDA as it stands up these programs. They have concerns
about engaging with their local Farm Service Agency.
Dr. Bronaugh, if confirmed, what is your plan for ensuring
that these concerns are being heard and addressed as the USDA
works behind the scenes to stand up these programs?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Warnock, you bring up some very valid
points, and, you know, we talked about this in our phone call,
and we have a lot of opportunities. I think what is very
important is as we have--and I acknowledge the distrust that
you stated, because it is important to not talk the talk but to
walk the walk. We have received funding, again, from the
American Rescue Plan.
There is something that I learned from my work in
Extension. There is something called outputs and there is
something called impact. I think, going forward, as we work
through ensuring that these resources are made available, we
have the output. We have gotten the resources. I think it is
going to be important for us to establish a way to measure, to
gather the right data to ensure that we are making impact.
Because the outputs are good, but if we are not making the
impact, then we are not reaching the goal.
Being able to ensure that we gather the right data, that we
followup with accountability measures, and we are able to
translate that and see the translation into impacts for farmers
of color will be critically important. If I have the
opportunity to be confirmed as Deputy Secretary, I imagine that
I will be closely engaged in my role with ensuring that we
follow those accountability measures and make that impact.
Senator Warnock. Thank you so much, Dr. Bronaugh. Again,
congratulations on your nomination. I look forward to
supporting your confirmation on the floor, and also having you
and Secretary Vilsack come to Georgia to meet with farmers of
color. Again, thanks.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator. Now
Senator Grassley.
Senator Grassley. Congratulations, Dr. Bronaugh. My first
question was going to be what Senator Tuberville said to you
about the FSA offices, so I do not have to ask that. I know
that you have been in charge of those offices on a very direct
basis, so I know you know their importance.
I am going to start with interest to read about your work
in launching the Farmer Stress Task Force to raise awareness
and to coordinate resources to address farmer stress and mental
health issues. Over the recent years, we have seen too high of
a suicide rate among farmers. Senator Tester and I introduced a
bipartisan bill to raise the awareness about mental health
among farmers. The Seeding Rural Resilience Act was passed by
Congress, signed into law last year. The bill will improve
mental health care for farming families by implementing suicide
prevention training programs at USDA, and I would see the FSA
offices as being very prime in that effort.
What parts of your Farmer Stress Task Force have worked
well in the State of Virginia and could be implemented at the
Federal level?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Grassley. It is very nice
to meet you, and I appreciate you giving me an opportunity to
talk a little bit more about the Farmer Stress efforts. I would
say, from my experience, being able to educate and empower more
people to identify stress issues and mental health issues
amongst our farmers and ranchers--and I would dare say it is
not just our farmers and ranchers, it is also the family
members and folks who are closest to these family members--who
need help.
As we have been able to move forward, we have utilized
Extension, but I think we also have a great opportunity to
educate our CEDs and county offices to be able to identify
stress, because farmers will open up to people whom they trust,
and if they can trust people to be there and to provide
guidance and to identify when there is an issue, we have the
greatest opportunity to address the issue.
As I think about how we will move forward, being able to
utilize people who work in local offices, whether it is NRCS,
Rural Development, or other offices, to be able to identify key
issues is going to be powerful in helping us to address the
issues. Also, I think States have greatly benefited from the
Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network funding. As I have
stated at VDACS, that was going to be something that having
that resource at the State level would be incredibly important
in conducting training and more outreach.
If confirmed, I look forward to the efforts that we can
take at USDA to address this critical issue.
Senator Grassley. There is an Executive order that
President Biden signed on January 29th that proposes a
conservator retire 30 percent of the agricultural land by 2030.
I suppose it is not fair for me to ask whether you support that
Executive order, because you did not have anything to do with
it. Widespread retiring of one-third of the farmland is going
to affect how we are going to feed nine billion people midterm
of this century. How do you think that kind of removal of
farmland from production would impact agriculture, besides the
fact that it is going to make it more difficult to feed nine
billion people?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Grassley. You talk about
the importance of working to feed nine billion people by 2050.
I also understand that this, 30x30, is a priority of this
administration, so we are going to have to work together to
determine how, one, we can get farmers, ranchers, and forest
landowners engaged in regenerative agriculture--many have been
for quite a long time.
It is important that I highlight that it is not just going
to be land that is in conservation but our working lands that
are going to be very critical. Our farmers, ranchers, and
landowners have a long history of stewardship, and the
utilization of working land, voluntary, incentive-based, that
we can collect locally with conservation efforts will be
critical in moving forward. We will continue to determine how
we can utilize working lands as an integral part of addressing
30x30 goals, the challenges.
If confirmed, I look forward to working with members of
this Committee, also with our farmers and ranchers, important
stakeholders and organizations to determine how we can reach
this goal and utilize our current effort in working lands in
doing so.
Senator Grassley. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator Grassley.
Now we have Senator Hoeven. I think he is with us remotely.
Senator Hoeven. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Dr. Bronaugh,
great to see you again. Thanks so much for visiting with me the
other day. I really appreciate it and spending so much time
talking about important ag issues. Again, very much
appreciated.
One of the things I emphasized to you is we worked hard to
get the Quality Loss Adjustment program, QLA program, and the
WIC+. I think WIC+ may be something we are going to have to
continue. I am already hearing from some farmers in that
regard.
My first question is, will you work with us to make sure
that we get the WIC+, and particularly the QLA, out the door as
soon as we can, in line with the program parameters that we put
into legislation?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Hoeven, it is great to see you, and I
am very relieved that the fact that I went to James Madison
University is not a reason that you do not plan to confirm me--
--
[Laughter.]
Senator Hoeven. We have a great rivalry there, between NDSU
and James Madison. That is going to be fun.
Ms. Bronaugh. We hopefully can talk about that going
forward. You mentioned the WIC+ and QLA. I always, you know,
think of disaster assistance programs, it is not if the next
disaster will happen, it is when the next disaster will happen.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I look forward to
learning more about the status of these important programs,
and, as such, I am happy to followup with your office in
determining the most appropriate way to move forward. I know
they are very important programs. I seek to learn a little bit
more. Certainly I want to support any efforts for addressing
disaster assistance that we have available.
Senator Hoeven. Thank you. That is an absolute priority,
and I have worked a lot with our Ranking Member as well as the
Chairwoman on those programs, so I appreciate that.
Also, I know a program that is going to be very important
to the Chair is the carbon capture program, and, of course,
there is legislation that she has led on that. I am certainly
willing to work on it, as I have told her and I told you. Can
you assure me that we are going to make sure that whatever we
do in regard to the carbon capture programs that they are
farmer friendly?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Hoeven, you bring up a very important
point. For those of us who have committed years of work in
agriculture, we understand the importance of any new efforts,
especially one around the notion of a carbon bank, carbon
capture efforts, that they absolutely be voluntary and
incentive-based, and provide market opportunities for our
farmers and ranchers.
In effort to move forward it is going to be very important
that we engage, actively engage, our agricultural producers in
how we move forward in the most effective way, that brings
benefit to them, that utilizes the practices that they have
been doing for years, and that we really move forward with a
common-sense approach to addressing climate change. Also an
effort that we have around job creation, in terms of
agriculture conservation and other important businesses.
If confirmed, I look forward to fully engaging our farmers,
ranchers, and landowners in any efforts to address climate
change and to establish a carbon bank.
Senator Hoeven. Will you commit to ensure that the CCC
funding, Commodity Credit Corp, continues to go for the
priorities in the farm bill, as it always has?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Hoeven, I clearly understand that the
purpose of the CCC is to support important farm bill programs,
and, if confirmed, I look forward to working with Secretary
Vilsack to learn more about the use of the CCC.
Senator Hoeven. We need to get you to North Dakota, and you
need to see what we are doing at Grand Farm. I know you know a
little bit about it, because we talked about it. Also we worked
to put in place the RISE program and fund it. We put money in
it the last two cycles, and we will do it again through ag
appropriations. Will you come out and see it, and will you help
make sure that we enable them to access the RISE program to
continue to do amazing things in precision ag?
Ms. Bronaugh. Yes, I appreciate the opportunity, Senator
Hoeven, to visit Grand Farm and all the work that you are doing
in innovation and the use of precision agriculture, which is
very important, and, if confirmed, I look forward to visiting,
to learn more about that important work and opportunities to
support the work that is being done out there.
Senator Hoeven. Well, that is good because we are also then
going to give you a tour of NDSU, and I don't know if you
should wear your James Madison jacket or not. I will leave that
entirely up to you.
I do have some other questions for the record, Madam Chair,
which I will submit, regarding livestock. We are a cow-calf
State, livestock ranching, extremely important to us. The sugar
program, in the Red River Valley in the north, that is a $3
billion industry. Then crop insurance is our No. 1 risk
management tool. We feel that it has to be strongly supported.
I will add a few more questions for the record, but being
respectful of my time here I will wrap. Just, again, thank you,
Dr. Bronaugh. I really appreciate our opportunities to visit
and the way that you have approached these important issues.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Hoeven, and I would not
wear my purple and gold when I come to North Dakota.
Senator Hoeven. Fantastic. Thank you.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Well, thank you, Senator Hoeven, and
you mentioned a number of things, issues that you and I both
care deeply about. I just want to say, you have never invited
me to North Dakota to get a tour, so I am a little hurt right
now. Maybe I can tag along.
Senator Hoeven. Madam Chair, you are invited any time. You
know that. We would love to have you out there.
Chairwoman Stabenow. All right.
Senator Hoeven. Thank you.
Chairwoman Stabenow. I will take you up on it.
Now, Senator Braun.
Senator Braun. Thank you, Madam Chair. Dr. Bronaugh, good
to talk to you here today. I am lucky that I still, each week,
go back to my farm in Indiana. I am a tree farmer, and to the
extent I can still be involved in the row crop side of
agriculture, that I have been a part of for over 30 years, it
is kind of my therapy for this new job.
I have got a question. I have heard concern, especially
since we just got the Growing Climate Solutions Act out of
Committee, which, of course, aligns farmers, both tree and ag,
with these private voluntary markets. Some of the reservations
that we had to work through, at least on my side of the aisle,
to get to this point, would have been addressing the
conversation around the Commodity Credit Corporation being
involved in a carbon bank.
Things can evolve in a direction on any issue with time,
but I think here we have just gotten to a place where, if that
did occur--and I would love to hear your opinion and what you
might advise to President Biden--I think it would set us back
significantly.
I think to get bipartisanship out of the gate on this
serious issue, the more we can do it through technology,
innovation, and through the private sector, especially maybe in
light of the financial condition of the Federal Government
currently, I would like to hear your comments on that, please.
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Braun. Great question. Of
course, we have an opportunity to work very closely with
private industry in regard to how we move forward.
In regard to the use of the CCC, again, I understand that
its critical role is to support our farm bill programs, and
again, you know, I am not yet at USDA, but if I have the
opportunity to be confirmed, will assure that speak with
Secretary Vilsack on how we will move forward with the use of
the CCC.
Senator Braun. I do hope that you will, because I think
that in the year and a half that I have been on our Senate
Climate Caucus, we have made so much headway getting it to be a
bipartisan discussion. I think there are certain things that
would undermine that if it is not given careful consideration.
One other question. What is your view on the Phase 1
agreement between U.S. and China? Do you believe that President
Biden, should you get the post, are you going to advise him to
enforce the deal? In my conversation with Hoosier farmers, I
constantly hear that they think that that was a part of getting
through a tough period with a tough counterpart and negotiator,
on the part of the Chinese. What is your recommendation there
in terms of, did you like it, and would you advise to continue
it?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Braun, great question. Certainly
China is a huge market for United States agricultural products.
Secretary Vilsack has been clear about working to engage in
many of our export opportunities. I think there is a need to
understand the market of China and ways that we can engage with
China. We have seen benefits in their purchases of corn, wheat,
sorghum, cotton, and other proteins.
If I have the opportunity to be confirmed, I look forward
to working with Secretary Vilsack, with the White House, the
State Department, and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office to
determine how we can move forward with China as a very big
export market.
Senator Braun. I think my advice, from being so deeply
involved in agriculture, is that it was kind of working, and do
not be beguiled by the Chinese. I think the one thing we have
learned across any conversation with them is what they do now
may not represent what their true motives, or what they might
do down the road. I think they do respect when you take a
stance with them, that make sure that we are thinking long
term. They certainly do.
Thank you for your time.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator Braun. I
believe that Senator Thune is with us, remotely, I believe.
Senator Thune. Madam Chair, let me start by, Dr. Bronaugh,
congratulations on your nomination. There is obviously a lot of
talk today about climate, given the President's ongoing climate
summit. During the first week in office, January 27th, the
President issued a climate change executive order, which
included the directive for USDA and other departments to come
up with recommendation to conserve at least 30 percent of our
land and waters by 2030, commonly referred to as 30x30.
While the details on this directive have not been released
yet, I have already heard from ranchers and landowners in South
Dakota who are concerned about potential measures this
administration may pursue to meet 30x30, including Federal land
acquisitions and burdensome regulations on private landowners.
Those are concerns that I share. The Federal Government, in my
view, should not be acquiring more land when it is often not
able to properly manage the Federal lands it already possesses.
My question is, what are your views on the 30x30 directive,
and, if confirmed, what efforts would you take to ensure this
directive does not ultimately result in efforts to acquire more
Federal land and to impose onerous regulations on private
landowners?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Thune, great to see you. You
mentioned this is an administrative goal, and one thing I want
to highlight again is the fact that we will have to consider
different lands, and working lands will be critically important
and being at the center of this issue. We need to keep working
lands working.
We have an opportunity to partner with our farmers, forest
landowners and others in a way to do that, and recognizing the
history of stewardship, to honor property rights and to assure
that we have voluntary, incentive-based opportunities for our
farmers and our forest landowners to participate. If confirmed,
I will ensure that we continue to work in local efforts, in a
collaborative way, to ensure that we keep our working lands
working and help meet important climate change goals.
Senator Thune. Okay. I agree with you 100 percent on that.
I think the question is, should our landowners out there be
worried about the Federal Government acquiring more land?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Thune, I think that there will be a
lot more opportunities to make decisions about how we move
forward in engaging with that, and, if confirmed, I look
forward to hearing more and learning more regarding how we need
to move forward.
Senator Thune. You will be hearing a lot from us, at least
from the people I represent, when it comes to land acquisition.
I just think that that is an issue that really should not be a
part of this conversation, given the vast amount of Federal
land that the Federal Government already owns and operates and
manages, and many of the issues we have associated with those.
Which brings me to my second point, and that is I just want
to raise the issue of the forest. We just had a big timber
plant close in South Dakota, in a community where those jobs
are pretty much the entire community, and families are affected
by that.
I have long advocated, I think as you know because I
mentioned this to you on our phone call, for a robust timber
sale program in order to mitigate the risk of wildfires and to
support the local economy.
Could you tell me what your views are on proactive
management of our forests, and, if confirmed, will you commit
to working with me and stakeholders on a path forward for the
timber sale program that appropriately balances the health of
the forest and the health of the regional economy?
Ms. Bronaugh. Thank you, Senator Thune. I appreciate our
conversation about the Black Hills timber sawmill and the
impact that it had on job loss in your State. I think it is
critically important that as we move forward we think about and
focus on ensuring that we increase the scale and pace of forest
management. I know there are opportunities to support wood
products, sustainable bioenergy. If I have the opportunity to
be confirmed, I will work with the Forest Service, work with
members of this Committee to determine how we can fully protect
and manage our forests, but also fully benefit from wood
products and sustainable bioenergy and biobased materials.
Senator Thune. My last question has to do with the issue of
Country of Origin labeling. I have sent a letter to USDA
requesting the Department address a loophole that has allowed
beef from cattle that were not born, raised, and harvested in
the United States to be labeled as Product of the USA. USDA
initiated the rulemaking process, but a rule has not been
finalized.
If confirmed, how would you approach closing this loophole
and ensuring accurate labeling of meat products?
Ms. Bronaugh. Senator Thune, that is a great question.
Country of Origin labeling is something that I am familiar, in
understanding that there have been some challenges with world
trade organizations' determination, and I seek to learn more
about that issue. I look forward to getting briefed, once
confirmed, about Country of Origin labeling and the most
appropriate way to move forward, and will be happy to followup
with your office and other members of this Committee in talking
about the best way to move forward with that issue.
Senator Thune. Thank you.
Chairwoman Stabenow. Thank you very much, Senator Thune.
We have now reached the end of our confirmation hearing,
and I want to thank you again, Dr. Bronaugh, for being here. It
is clear to me you have very strong experience as an advocate
for farmers and ranchers, and your work on the ground with our
producers will really be invaluable as the Department works to
improve service to every part of agriculture.
I strongly support your nomination and look forward to
moving it forward as quickly as possible.
That concludes today's hearing. The record will remain open
until tomorrow at 5 p.m. for members to submit additional
questions and statements. Thank you again to our Ranking
Member. Thank you for your partnership. The hearing is
adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:56 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
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A P P E N D I X
April 22, 2021
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DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR THE RECORD
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
April 22, 2021
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