Letter to Stephen Censky, Deputy Secretary to the Department of Agriculture - Bergman Announces Major Win for Cherry Growers and Other Producers in New Coronavirus Farm Aid

Letter

Dear Deputy Secretary Censky:
Thank you for your commitment to America's farmers, growers, and ranchers. I urge the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure direct payments through the Coronavirus Farm
Assistance Program (CFAP) have the greatest possible benefit for the producers whose
operations have struggled financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The $19 billion in direct payments provided through CFAP, which was established through the
CARES Act, should be dispersed to a wide range of agricultural producers and not be arbitrarily
limited by regulations. When USDA published the Final Rule on May 21 to outline
implementation of this program, only certain products and specialty crops were originally
allowed access to this vital assistance. In Michigan's First Congressional District, many
operations-- including tart cherry, maple sap and syrup, and other producers -- were left out of the
program. While I appreciate USDA's efforts to accept and review comments on eligibility, the
Department placed the burden on smaller agricultural industries to prove why they should be
eligible for relief from government-mandated shutdowns. In many cases, these regional products
do not have the specific price data sought by USDA due to their size or the nature of their
season.
The wellbeing of our Nation is directly connected to the success of producers of all types across
the agricultural sector. As we begin our economic comeback from the coronavirus pandemic,
please consider ways to facilitate direct payments -- including through the CARES Act
replenishment of the Commodity Credit Corporation -- to struggling operations left out of CFAP
payments. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Source