(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray
(D-WA), applauded the announcement made by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) that the Asparagus Revenue Market Loss Assistance Payment
Program (ALAP) will be implemented in the coming months. The ALAP, which
Senator Murray included in the 2008
Farm Bill, provides $15 million in payments to domestic producers of
asparagus to compensate for losses that were the result of imports between the
2004 and 2007 crop years.
“This much needed assistance for Washington state’s
asparagus growers is long overdue and couldn’t come at a more critical time,”
said Senator Murray. “Between a tough economy and increased foreign
competition, our asparagus growers are hurting. This program will assist these
growers through difficult times and help them to maintain a stable and robust
asparagus industry in our state and across the country.”
Today, the USDA began accepting comments on proposed
rules to administer the program in an effort to help it better implement the
program. Following the comment period, the USDA will release the final rules
for the program and is expected to announce a 30-day application period during
which individual applications to receive payment will be accepted.
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