Washington, DC –Senator Susan Collins today applauded the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for taking action that will assist domestic apple growers recover from difficult economic times. Senator Collins joined her colleagues in April requesting that the USDA consider an apple commodity purchase to assist America's apple industry. Due to an excess supply of apples this season and the closure of the Taiwan export market, apple prices have fallen dramatically causing reduced incomes for apple growers. The USDA has announced that it will purchase up to 78 million additional pounds of apples and apple products.
"Difficult market conditions that are beyond the control of Maine''s apple farmers have caused very tough economic times for an industry that is very important to our state. I am pleased that the USDA is taking action to assist our nation's apple growers through this significant commodity purchase. This purchase will provide some relief to our apple farmers, while supplying healthy products to schools, soup kitchens, nursing homes, and other organizations," Senator Collins said.
###