Letter to Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture - Making Grain Exports a Reality at Port of Oswego
Letter
I am writing today to request that the Grain Inspectors Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) work with the Port of Oswego and the State University of New York (SUNY) Oswego to identify opportunities to allow for grain and other agricultural products to be shipped from the Port of Oswego, utilizing the assets of the state-of-the-art port and the SUNY Oswego. I encourage the GIPSA to examine ways to better utilize recent investments and key infrastructure at the Port of Oswego to allow for more efficient flow of goods for commerce.
As you know, the Port of Oswego takes in approximately 10 million bushels of soybeans, corn, and wheat each year, but must ship it to Virginia for export, as it is the nearest state delegated the ability to export these goods. Local companies have expressed interest in using the nearby Port of Oswego for distributing agricultural products more efficiently into commerce and I encourage you to explore this opportunity.
Moreover, the capabilities of the Port of Oswego have recently been expanded. New rail lines and area infrastructure are being installed. This is equipping the port to handle millions of tons of export capacity as opposed to extending the supply chain queue far beyond the State of New York, as things currently stand. This situation is costing the port potential clients and remains an overall opportunity loss we must address. Additionally, with a state academic institution at the ready to assist the USDA, and with the experience to do so, it would make sense to explore a working model with this bustling upstate New York Port.
Again, I encourage you to work with the Port of Oswego, SUNY Oswego, and local businesses to identify opportunities for utilizing the port for the export of agricultural goods. The ability of these business to get their products to market is a fundamental part of the rural and agri-based economy. I encourage you to explore this opportunity to allow for local business and farmers to more efficiently reach markets outside of New York State. Thank you for your attention to this request and I look forward to working with you and the community of Oswego on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
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