The Peru Gazette

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with Congressman Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-4) have sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requesting the inclusion of United States apple growers in USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The letter states that apple prices during the last few months declined anywhere between 6.5 percent and 24.9 percent. Apple producers have faced significant loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain disruptions that resulted from it.

“Our North Country apple farmers not only produce wholesome product for our communities, but also stimulate our rural economies,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The COVID-19 pandemic and price declines that our farmers have faced as a result certainly qualify them for economic relief from USDA. I am working on a bipartisan basis to ensure that our apple producers are rightfully included in CFAP funding, and I will continue to advocate for programs like this that help keep our farmers running successful businesses.”

“Apple growers take the same risks and work the same long hours as producers of row crops and livestock,” said Jim Bair, U.S. Apple Association President & CEO. “They worry about weather, pests and markets, and in most every way apple growers are indistinguishable from other farmers, so there’s no reason not to treat them the same.”