I think USDA and my state of Minnesota have done good work. And they continue to do a good job addressing the situation. It hasn’t been perfect but perfection is hard to come by in times of crisis. Now is the time to go over lessons learned that will help us develop a better plan if we have a future outbreak.
Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin C. Peterson
Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture
Examination of Federal and State Response to Avian Influenza
--As Prepared for Delivery--
“Thank you Chairman Rouzer and Ranking Member Costa for holding today’s hearing. Avian influenza has impacted poultry growers in my district perhaps harder than anywhere else in the country.
“I think USDA and my state of Minnesota have done good work. And they continue to do a good job addressing the situation. It hasn’t been perfect but perfection is hard to come by in times of crisis. Now is the time to go over lessons learned that will help us develop a better plan if we have a future outbreak.
“Three areas I’d like to address today include simplifying the indemnification process for growers. This includes providing one consistent case manager and reducing paperwork.
“I also look forward to a status update on a workable vaccine. Having an available vaccine will provide growers with another tool in their toolbox if there is a reoccurrence this fall. I’ve heard from growers in my part of the world who would like to have it available as soon as possible.
“I also want to look at ways to speed up the depopulation effort. That’s an area where we have learned a great deal and I hope to see improvement going forward.
“Again, I thank the Chair and Ranking Member for holding today’s important hearing and look forward to hearing from our witnesses.”
