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Congressman David G. Valadao Joins Colleagues to Demand Continued Investigation into Vessel-Operating Common Carriers Stranding American Agricultural Exports

Washington, March 9, 2021 | Faith Vander Voort
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“California produces more in agriculture exports than any other state, totaling nearly $22 billion in value in 2019, and our Central Valley farmers are especially key players in this sector of international trade,” said Congressman Valadao. “The failure of VOCCs to adhere to reasonable carrier practices threatens our local economy and the livelihoods of producers reliant on these ocean carriers. The Central Valley is proud to feed the world, and it is entirely unacceptable for these carriers to exploit American agriculture producers. Resolving this issue is critical to the prosperity of our nation’s agriculture industry, and I appreciate the Federal Maritime Commission’s continued investigation into this pressing matter.”
 

Congressman David G. Valadao Joins Colleagues to Demand Continued Investigation into Vessel-Operating Common Carriers Stranding American Agricultural Exports


WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman David G. Valadao joined his colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Michael A. Khouri requesting monthly updates to Congress regarding the effective stranding of American agriculture exports at U.S. ports. Reports have found certain vessel operating common carriers (VOCCs) are declining transport of American goods and electing rather to leave port with empty containers and pay corresponding fees, adding to the congestion and bottlenecks our exporters already face.

“California produces more in agriculture exports than any other state, totaling nearly $22 billion in value in 2019, and our Central Valley farmers are especially key players in this sector of international trade,” said Congressman Valadao. “The failure of VOCCs to adhere to reasonable carrier practices threatens our local economy and the livelihoods of producers reliant on these ocean carriers. The Central Valley is proud to feed the world, and it is entirely unacceptable for these carriers to exploit American agriculture producers. Resolving this issue is critical to the prosperity of our nation’s agriculture industry, and I appreciate the Federal Maritime Commission’s continued investigation into this pressing matter.”

The Central Valley is consistently ranked among the highest of California’s agriculture producers. As a lifelong dairy farmer, Congressman Valadao recognizes the important roles both domestic and overseas transportation play in supporting these local farmers. Fact Finding No. 29, “International Ocean Transportation Supply Chain Engagement,” was launched by the FMC in March 2020 and was expanded in November 2020 to investigate the potential wrongdoing of certain VOCCs. The ongoing investigation will serve to identify solutions to the export challenges introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The letter can be found here.

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