Good afternoon. My name is Jimmy Dodson. I operate a diversified family farming operation in Robstown, Texas. My principal cash crop is cotton and my farm is in an active boll weevil eradication zone. I am testifying on behalf of the National Cotton Council of America.
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Stenholm, Members of the Committee – thank you for holding today’s hearing to allow us to provide comments on the proposal to move APHIS to the new Department of Homeland Security. I want to be very clear - the members of the National Cotton Council support the President in his resolve to protect our country from the threat of terrorism. We appreciate the President’s recognition that agriculture is a high priority and can play a major role for homeland security.
In the legislation sent to Congress, the Administration has proposed the transfer of APHIS in its entirety into the new department. As you know, the overall mission of APHIS is to protect America’s animal and plant resources and includes a diverse set of responsibilities.
It is apparent that APHIS’ role in preventing exotic pests and diseases from entering the U.S. could serve a critical purpose in the Department of Homeland Security. However, there are many other programs carried out by APHIS which do not readily appear germane to homeland security. This inconsistency raises a very basic question for Congress as it creates this new federal department. Many of the roles of APHIS that are critical to production agriculture might receive lower priority and reduced funding. Programs like the Boll Weevil Eradication Program and Pink Bollworm Eradication Program, oversight of bilateral agreements with other cotton producing countries, and risk assessment and permitting of new biotechnology crops might not have a high priority in a new department devoted to stopping terrorism.
APHIS has played a vital role coordinating the highly successful program to eradicate the destructive boll weevil from the U.S. The eradication effort started in North Carolina in 1978. Today, over 10 million acres in 8 states are in active eradication. That is- almost 60% of the acreage planted to cotton this year. As an indication of the program’s success, over 30% of the total acres planted to cotton have been certified as weevil-free. APHIS provides national coordination of the boll weevil eradication program and allocates critical federal cost share funds working closely with producer-led state eradication foundations and the National Boll Weevil Action Committee. Eradication increases yields; lowers production costs and sharply reduces insecticide usage thereby enhancing the environment. Independent estimates show that for every $1 spent on boll weevil eradication, $12 is returned to the rural economy through increased economic activity. If sufficient funding is available and APHIS remains in a leadership role, we believe the boll weevil will be eradicated within the next 6-10 years. We have very serious concerns about whether the new Department of Homeland Security would aggressively seek the funding for the annual 30% federal cost share. We also have concerns about whether APHIS resources and personnel would be allowed to continue to place high priority on the completion of this successful program.
APHIS is also working with cotton farmers to eradicate another costly and destructive pest in 5 western states – the pink bollworm. Interestingly this program uses soft technology rather than relying exclusively on pesticides. U.S. cotton producers, along with producers in Mexico, have now committed to implement programs to eradicate the pink bollworm from the U.S. and adjacent areas in Northern Mexico. APHIS is essential to program implementation because of their ability to coordinate activities of budget planning, equipment coordination, and program implementation across state lines. Since Mexico must be a partner, the APHIS’ international expertise is absolutely essential. Again, we are concerned about the priority this program would receive if APHIS were absorbed into the new department.
APHIS performs a vital role in facilitating exports of U.S. cotton and cotton products. It also monitors imported cotton to protect U.S. farmers from pests and diseases. Confidence in APHIS’ technical capabilities and strict adherence to internationally approved procedures provide assurance to overseas buyers of U.S. cotton and cotton products that imported goods meet agreed upon phytosanitary standards. In recent months, APHIS has actively worked to eliminate redundant fumigation requirements for U.S. exports of cotton to Peru, Colombia, and Pakistan. This effort has enhanced U.S. competitiveness in those markets by reducing costs and fumigant use.
Mr. Chairman, we look forward to working with you and your colleagues to ensure that APHIS can continue to carry out the critical functions I have illustrated in my statement.
Again, thank you for allowing me to present testimony on this important matter.