04/19/05 Disaster payments; USDA apple buy

04/19/05 Disaster payments; USDA apple buy

Washington Ag April 19, 2005 Agricultural producers are a step closer to getting their payments from USDA for crop disasters that occurred in either 2003 or 2004. USDA chief economist Keith Collins told a congressional subcommittee last week that because of a cap on payments USDA had to await data on crop insurance payments. Collins said the Risk Management Agency transmitted the needed data base last month. Collins: "And so we are in a position now to make payments and will be making payments imminently." The USDA announced Monday it plans to purchase up to 78 million pounds of apples and apple products to be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs. Since the start of the fiscal year in October, USDA has purchased over 52 million pounds of apples and apple products and juice. In fiscal 2004 USDA bought just over 64 million pounds. The Washington Asparagus Commission has now scheduled a special meeting by teleconference for this Thursday April 21st at 1 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss policy on the relationship between the Commission and buyers of asparagus. Any grower or interested party who wishes to participate may call the Commission for the necessary numbers at 509-266-4303. I'm Bob Hoff.
Previous Report04/18/05 NEPA Hearing in Spokane this week
Next Report04/20/05 FB files referendum to save I-601