WASHINGTON, D.C. – The co-chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) urged President Trump this week to ensure specialty crops be included in any emergency economic aid initiatives for the agricultural sector.
Fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and landscape plant growers across the country are facing an immediate and mounting economic crisis. The group’s letter to the President highlighted the need for targeted assistance and cited the successful implementation of economic relief measures during his first administration as a possible framework for future support.
In the letter, the group writes:
“During this challenging time of crisis for farmers in rural America, we are optimistic that Congress and your Administration will provide necessary relief to producers, including those who grow specialty crops.”
“Although our growers are experiencing similar economic challenges to those confronting row crops, American specialty crops are different. During your first Administration, you created a program that addressed those differences and made economic relief from USDA finally workable for the family farms that produce our nation’s specialty crops…”
“…To ensure that we continue to have a safe and abundant supply of the fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and landscape plants grown here in the United States, we ask that you provide emergency economic assistance uniquely tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers at the earliest opportunity.”
The full letter is available here.
The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.