Collins, Golden Call on Administration to Provide Assistance to Maine Apple Growers Harmed by Trade War

Click HERE to read Sen. Collins and Rep. Golden’s letter to Secretary Perdue

Click HERE to read Sen. Collins and Rep. Golden’s letter to Ambassador Lighthizer

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Jared Golden (D-ME) wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, calling on them to provide relief for the 84 apple growers in Maine who have been harmed by trade disruptions.  Many of these apple farms are small, multi-generational family businesses.

“As larger apple producers in the western U.S. are no longer able to export as much product to markets such as China and India, those apples are sent to the eastern U.S., flooding the domestic market,” Senator Collins and Representative Golden wrote.  “This is especially harmful for smaller growers like those in Maine who rely predominantly on the domestic market for sales.”

“Apple growers represent an important part of Maine’s economy and agricultural heritage,” Senator Collins and Representative Golden added.  “As our small growers weather the storms of trade disruptions, we must ensure that they have the necessary resources and support.”

In their letters, Senator Collins and Representative Golden pressed Secretary Perdue to identify trade relief programs that will assist Maine apple growers.  They also urged Ambassador Lighthizer to ensure any final agreements with India and China involve eliminating the tariffs on apples, allowing producers across the country to sell their product in a free and open market. 

Senator Collins and Representative Golden have worked closely with the entire Maine delegation to alleviate the impact of the trade war on Maine industries, including their ongoing efforts to advocate for the lobster industry in trade negotiations.