The Trump administration must provide direct support to America’s specialty crop producers as it implements the nation’s pandemic relief package, said U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) and more than 100 members in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The newly signed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, includes $14 billion for the replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation and an additional $9.5 billion for agricultural producers impacted by COVID-19, including specialty crop producers, producers that supply local food systems, and livestock producers, according to an April 7 letter led by Rep. Upton and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) that was sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue.
“Such relief will not only assist producers who are struggling to make ends meet during this unprecedented time but also help ensure our most vulnerable communities continue to have access to fresh produce,” wrote Rep. Upton and his colleagues.
The House members pointed out that specialty crop producers are experiencing significant losses, with more expected to come, according to their letter.
“Now, as you make decisions regarding how best to allocate CARES Act funding, we request that you reserve funding to develop and execute a recovery and relief plan for the specialty crop industry,” the members wrote.
Such a plan, wrote Rep. Upton and his colleagues, should include three key components: funding and guidance for USDA purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables, including purchases for federal nutrition programs; direct payments to specialty crop producers impacted by lost sales or other financial losses due to the COVID-19 emergency; and consideration that, throughout the pandemic, growers and shippers may struggle to meet contractual obligations under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and may require USDA’s assistance and flexibility.
“As this global crisis continues to evolve, we recognize that additional programs and flexibilities may need to be considered and implemented to keep fresh produce moving through the food supply chain,” wrote Rep. Upton and the House members. “We hope that you will use all resources at USDA’s discretion, including funding from the CARES Act and carryover funding from the previous fiscal year, to address the immediate needs of the specialty crop industry.”