Moolenaar Urges USDA to Support Specialty Crop Farmers

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar led his colleagues in calling on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to include specialty crops in any potential USDA economic aid package. In their letter, the lawmakers outlined the importance of these crops to the United States economy, and the unique challenges facing specialty crop farmers.

The lawmakers wrote, "specialty crops are critical to America's food security, dietary health, and economic vitality. They represent a significant share of our agricultural output, provide job opportunities across rural communities, and support a robust export market. Beyond their economic impact, specialty crops sustain a strong nutritional foundation critical for improving public health and lowering long-term health care costs across the nation."

"Producers of specialty crops continue to face unique challenges, including high labor costs, vulnerabilities to weather and supply chain disruption, and limited risk management options compared to other commodities. In times of market disruption or natural disaster, these producers are disproportionately at risk. Without adequate support, the financial health of our growers is jeopardized," they continued.

"Specialty crops represent a considerable portion of crop value in the United States and are grown in rural communities throughout all 50 states. Despite significant challenges, the family farms responsible for these crops produce the safe, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, as well as cultivate the trees, flowers and plants, that play a vital role in the nation's health and wellbeing. Any economic aid package designed for agriculture must include specialty crops," said the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance in support of the letter.

Michigan leads the nation in the production of a variety of specialty crops which include apples, asparagus, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers, and squash. Michigan farmers produce the second most diverse set of crops in the nation, which contributes over $100 billion to the state's economy. Media reports indicate the administration is currently preparing an economic aid package for farmers.

Thirty-three of Moolenaar's colleagues joined his letter including Representatives Jack Bergman (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Tom Barrett (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), John James (R-MI), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), John Joyce (R-PA), Ben Cline (R-VA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), David Valadao (R-CA), Vince Fong (R-CA), Austin Scott (R-GA), Gabe Evans (R-CO), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Michael Baumgartner (R-WA), Mike Bost (R-IL), Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Monica De La Cruz (R-TX), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Dan Meuser (R-PA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ).

A full copy of Moolenaar's letter to Rollins can be found here.