(Washington, D.C.) –
Today, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) applauded the announcement made by the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that farmers are now able to
sign up for the Asparagus Revenue Market Loss Assistance Payment Program
(ALAP). 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. Affected producers may apply for compensation
beginning today, February 7. The sign up period ends on April 8,
2011.
“I’m so glad that the
USDA has opened the sign-up period for this
critical program that will help asparagus growers get the support they need to
maintain a strong and stable industry in Washington state and across the
country,” said Senator Murray. “With increased foreign competition and a difficult
economy, this long overdue support couldn’t come at a better time for these
growers. I encourage all eligible growers to sign up for this program.”
For more information on
the ALAP Program, contact the nearest Farm Service Agency county office or go
online to http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
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