Adam Schiff Questions USDA Nominee on Serving Diverse Farmers and Combating Discrimination

Support for Specialty Crops

• 💡 Senator Schiff highlighted the importance of programs like the Market Access Program and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crop Program for California's specialty crop industry.
• 🎯 Mr. Lindberg committed to championing these export promotion programs to ensure specialty crop producers have opportunities to export their products.
• 🔬 USDA research on pests and diseases is crucial for specialty crop farms, and Mr. Lindberg expressed concern over the potential layoff of scientists.

Addressing USDA Discrimination

• ⚠️ Senator Schiff pointed to the USDA's history of pervasive discrimination and questioned the nominee on ensuring service to a diverse group of farmers.
• 🤝 Mr. Westhill acknowledged the long history of discrimination at USDA and committed to knocking down barriers to accessing USDA programs for all farmers and ranchers.
• ✅ He emphasized ensuring everyone can do business with USDA on equal footing, regardless of race or other protected characteristics.

Tariffs and Farmer Support

• 📊 In the context of potential farmer aid due to tariffs, Senator Schiff raised concerns that specialty crop farmers, particularly in California, have historically been underrepresented.
• 📈 Mr. Lindberg committed to ensuring specialty crop producers are represented and have opportunities to apply for aid programs, suggesting adjustments to program operations to overcome artificial barriers to participation.