REPORT RELEASED BY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA SHOWS LOOMING THREAT FOR SENIOR CARE

REPORT RELEASED BY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA
SHOWS LOOMING THREAT FOR SENIOR CARE
Families Facing Financial Crisis in Caring for Family Members

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 4, 2011 – With the country still recovering from the economic downturn, Volunteers of America has released an eye-opening study on the state of aging in the U.S. The collision of the economy, the health care crisis and a large population of aging Americans has put many families in or near financial crisis.

According to the report, a “plurality of caregivers say the economy has made it more difficult to provide care to a family member. Few—roughly one in 10—are paid for the care they provide.” More than 46 percent report that the economy has made it harder to be able to provide care. Three quarters of caregivers state that the person to whom they provide care is 70 years or older.

“We have a potential catastrophe looming with the collision of a significant, and growing, aging population, the economic downturn, and the health care crisis,” stated Rosemarie Rae, executive vice president with Volunteers of America.

The first baby boomers will reach 65 next year, with more than 71.5 million Americans in the 65 or older age bracket by 2030. This will be the largest senior population in U.S. history and almost double the approximately 37 million seniors today. “This is a large, emerging crisis in America,” added Rae.

“Medicare already pays out more in benefits than it brings in and will be insolvent by 2017,” Rae continued. “Social Security will pay out more than it collects beginning in 2016 and the system as a whole will be insolvent by 2037.” Medicaid statistics are equally alarming. In order to qualify, most people must bankrupt themselves before they can receive long-term care coverage.

“We are hopeful that healthcare reform will begin to shape this discussion and mitigate the negative impacts of the current system,” Rae said.

The Volunteers of America study also reported that an overwhelming majority—97 percent of women and 94 percent of men—believe that the elderly should be allowed to age at home, if they want to. Almost half of the women surveyed expect that they will be called upon to provide care to an older family member at some point in the future and more than 54 percent stated that it is not likely that they will be able to care for the family member.

A majority of those interviewed reported that they were unable to make financial, career or family sacrifices in order to care for an older family member. More than 65 percent stated that they would be unable to take time off of work to care for an elderly loved one, and 86 percent of women interviewed and 81 percent of men agreed that better workplace policies are needed to meet family obligations to help aging family members.

Only about half of those interviewed have done any preparation for their own aging. In addition to not having financial stability, many have not entered into discussions with family members about how they should be cared for. Most have not talked to their doctor about aging issues and more than 50 percent do not have a power of attorney and/or will in place.

Volunteers of America has spent more than a century anticipating and adapting to the needs of the population’s most vulnerable citizens. In preparation for the growing health care demands associated with an unprecedented rising number of aging individuals, Volunteers of America commissioned a study (conducted by Lake Research/American Viewpoint) to determine the most challenging issues facing Americans regarding care giving and aging. The findings from the study have validated Volunteers of America’s Aging with OptionsTM initiative, which provides an integrated care and support system for older Americans and their caregivers.

Volunteers of America identified four primary challenge areas faced by aging women and their caretakers: economic issues, desire for independence, workplace flexibility and lack of preparation.

The report is available at http://www.volunteersofamerica.org/Media-Center/News-Events/Americas-Caregiving-and-Aging-Challenges.aspx.

Vilsack: Farming a way forward to economic recovery

Farming a way forward to economic recovery
By Thomas J. Vilsack, special to the Times
March 3, 2011

As the U.S. and global economies work to recover from the worst recession in decades, American agriculture is helping to lead our nation's recovery by shattering trade records, creating jobs here at home and ensuring affordable food for families.
Today I am in Tampa to talk with American farmers. Thanks to one of the most productive eras in history for U.S. agriculture and a reputation for quality products, farmers and ranchers are racking up record sales for U.S. farm goods abroad and looking forward to some of the best net incomes in decades. U.S. agricultural exports for 2011 are on course to shatter previous records — and enjoy a record $47.5 billion surplus. In the past five years, Florida farm exports grew $1 billion, reaching $2.9 billion in 2010 and growing.
What does this good news mean for those not engaged in farming or ranching? For one, it means cheaper grocery bills for U.S. families.
American families spend less at the grocery store compared with consumers in much of the rest of the world, and that allows our families to spend more of their income on a home, save for retirement or fund their child's college education. Even with small increases in food prices this year, we'll keep more money in our pockets than our competitors because our country produces 86 percent of the food Americans buy and consume. You can thank a farmer or rancher for that peace of mind.
Agriculture also means jobs for Americans: one in 12 nationwide and one in 23 here in Florida. And exports create additional jobs: Every $1 billion in farm exports supports roughly 8,000 jobs in the United States in agriculture and related industries such as transportation, storage and food packaging. This year, exports will support more than a million such jobs.
Florida, which ranks 17th in state-produced farm exports, wins on two fronts: in jobs directly attributed to farming and ranching, as well as jobs related to exports. The farm commodities passing through ports in Tampa and Miami on their way to Latin America support paychecks for thousands of Floridians.
I know Florida agriculture has a big part to play in the story of our nation's economic resurgence and long-term strength. Last summer, I traveled to Plant City, where I toured Castillo Farms. Hilda and Fidel Castillo immigrated to the Plant City area from Mexico a few decades ago to pick fruits and vegetables on area farms.
Over time, they were able to lease an acre or two of land to farm for themselves, scrimping and saving and working with local USDA employees for advice and support. Today, the Castillos produce cantaloupe, strawberries and peppers on 40 acres of their own land and employ a few dozen workers. I left their farm proud to lead a department that promotes policies that help the Castillos' story to be repeated — and celebrated — around the nation.
In the years ahead, USDA will work harder than ever to give businesses such as the Castillos' even greater opportunities to grow. At President Obama's direction, USDA has focused on building a robust future for the U.S. economy and opening new markets at home and abroad for agricultural producers. We want famers such as the Castillos to know that opportunities exist beyond our shores to grow their businesses. Today, only 1 percent of U.S. companies export, and yet 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside the borders of the United States. We can do better to reach those consumers.
Smart trade deals that increase exports, support job creation, and bolster the American economy can help build for our future. Right now, the Obama administration is working to move forward on proposed U.S. trade agreements with South Korea, then Panama and Colombia — nations with 100 million consumers. Successful approval would bring billions of dollars to U.S. agriculture and immediate benefits to Florida by eliminating tariffs on a range of Florida agricultural products.
Since 2009, when I became Agriculture Secretary, USDA officials have negotiated hard to open markets for U.S. farm goods. Thanks to the president's National Export Initiative, which challenged U.S. businesses to double all exports by the end of 2014, USDA is now reaching out to producers and agribusinesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, with information about how to tackle the export market.
Whether it means directly connecting U.S. companies and trade groups with foreign customers or advocating more forcefully for their interests with other governments, we are working to expand economic opportunities for Americans.
For decades, U.S. agriculture has helped to feed a hungry world, added jobs to our economy and reduced our trade deficit. As we embark on building a stronger America for the future, don't be surprised that American farmers and ranchers are helping to lead the way

USApple Applauds U.S.-Mexico Trucking Agreement A Clear Path to Resolution Promises End to 20% Apple Tariff

USApple Applauds U.S.-Mexico Trucking Agreement
A Clear Path to Resolution Promises End to 20% Apple Tariff


VIENNA, VA – The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) applauds the governments of the U.S. and Mexico today for announcing that they have reached an agreement in principle to resolve a long-standing cross-border trucking dispute. Mexico has committed to end its 20% import duty faced by U.S. apple exports into Mexico when the deal is implemented.

“This agreement is good news for the apple industry,” said Nancy Foster, USApple’s president and CEO. “A permanent solution is needed that provides certainty for our long-term trading relationship with Mexico,” she continued. “U.S. apple growers urge the U.S. and Mexico to reach final agreement on the few remaining technical issues so that a deal can be implemented as soon as possible.”

A U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking pilot program was in effect until March 2009 when it was terminated by the U.S. Congress at the urging of organized labor. As a result, the U.S. was in violation of its obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Consequently, Mexico exercised its NAFTA rights to impose retaliatory tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. manufactured and agricultural exports, including apples.

“American apple growers urge Congress to support resolution of this long-standing trucking dispute so that they can regain duty-free market access into Mexico, their largest export market,” urged Foster.

Last year, Mexico imported 11.5 million boxes (bushels) of fresh U.S. apples, worth $207 million. This represents 27.5% of total U.S. apple export value. More than $1 out of every $3 in U.S. apple revenue comes from exports.