06.12.01

U.S. Senators Patty Murray & Maria Cantwell Introduce Bill to Help Washington's Apple Growers

Legislation would provide $250 million in emergency payments; Washington state growers would receive $85 million

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to aid struggling apple farmers, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today joined with a bi-partisan coalition of senators to introduce a bill that would provide $250 million in emergency payments to growers nationwide and an estimated $85 million to Washington state farmers. While the current budget resolution provides $5.5 billion in emergency farm relief, the majority of this money is earmarked for major commodities, like wheat, that have traditionally received federal assistance.

The Senators noted that rural communities and agricultural producers have not enjoyed America's recent economic prosperity. Around the nation, nearly all commodity producers are enduring low prices and trade challenges. In Washington state these problems are compounded by a severe drought and the energy crisis.

"This bill would provide desperately needed assistance to Washington's apple farmers," said Murray. "Apple growers from Okanogan County to Walla Walla County are going bankrupt. Many family farmers have given up hope. Congress must act now to provide relief to this struggling industry."

"It's time for the federal government to step up and provide assistance for Washington state apple growers, just as they have for other agricultural producers," Senator Maria Cantwell said. "Our farmers are suffering due to market conditions beyond their control and many could go out of business without assistance. Washington state apple growers have filed 3,255 applications for market loss payments. They need our help, now."

The legislation builds on a $100 million package for apple producers that she helped to pass last year. If the full package is adopted, apple growers in Washington state could receive more than $85 million. Under Senator Murray's bill, payments to producers would be based on their 2000 production records, with no production over 20 million pounds considered.

"This legislation will give the industry the financial support it needs to get through another year of disastrous prices. It will also give us the time we need to develop long-term solutions as part of the next farm bill for apple and other specialty crop growers."

Senators Carl Levin (D-MI), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Charles Schumer (D-NY) joined Murray and Cantwell in introducing the bill.