Statement of Commissioner Max M. Vekich Regarding USDA Initiative to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports and West Coast Ports

Commissioner Max M. Vekich commends Secretary Tom Vilsack for the recently announced U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that will assist American-grown agricultural products to reach global markets.

Under the program, agricultural exporters will receive $200 per container of farm goods exported out of the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, or Oakland. Exporters using refrigerated containers will receive $400, and export shippers using Oakland can receive an extra $125 for each pickup of an empty container.

“USDA’s initiative is an innovative approach that is not only good for American farmers and exporters, but also for the ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and Oakland.  It demonstrates the innovative leadership required to assist the supply chain in these challenging times.  We must continue to do all that we can to ensure that American-made products remain competitive and are able to reach global markets.  I applaud the Administration’s commitment to prioritizing U.S. exports and to ensuring the supply chain is prepared to meet the needs of U.S. exporters.”

As the only Commissioner from the West Coast, Commissioner Vekich is committed to ensuring that ports in that region receive the assistance so desperately needed to meet the needs of the importers and exporters and those working the docks every day to keep the cargo moving.

Max M. Vekich is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed are his own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commission.