Odd Lots Senator Chris Coons on How to Fix Our Response to Avian Flu
Sep 14, 2023
Chris Coons, a United States Senator from Delaware and co-chair of the Senate Chicken Caucus, discusses the fallout from last year's avian flu outbreak and its significant impact on egg prices. He shares insights on legislative efforts to improve compensation for affected farmers and emphasizes the need for better collaboration in addressing health crises in the poultry industry. Coons highlights the financial struggles of small farmers, the importance of vaccination strategies, and the role of the Chicken Caucus in fostering bipartisan support.
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Compensation Gap
- Current USDA policy compensates farmers directly affected by HPAI.
- However, farms within a 6-mile radius also face losses but receive no compensation.
Accidental Chicken Empire
- Delaware's broiler chicken industry began accidentally in 1923.
- Mrs. Cecile Steele ordered a few chickens but received hundreds, launching a booming business.
Proposed HPAI Act
- The proposed HPAI Act aims to compensate farmers within the affected radius.
- It also simplifies indemnity payment calculations for greater financial security.