Letter to Sonny Perdue, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture - Midwest House Members Send Letter Supporting America's Independent Turkey Farmers

Letter

Dear Secretary Perdue:
Thank you for your continued work in providing relief for our nation's farmers and ranchers as
they weather the effects of an unprecedented pandemic. Through the Coronavirus Food
Assistance Program (CFAP), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has answered
the call of our producers when support is urgently needed. However, we write today concerned
for our nation's independent turkey growers that have so far been unable to utilize this critical
assistance.
The poultry sector, much like other livestock sectors, is facing unprecedented losses due to the
shutdown of the food service industry and broader slowdown of the economy. In particular,
independent turkey growers carry the costs and losses of their operation in the same way as cattle
and hog farmers, yet these turkey growers remain ineligible for CFAP funds. These independent
growers represent nearly 10 percent of overall production.
We are confident that if allowed to apply for this program, many independent poultry producers
will be able to demonstrate that they have suffered a 5 percent or greater loss, the threshold
required of other commodities in order to receive CFAP funds. For example, USDA Agricultural
Marketing Service data shows that when comparing fresh boneless, skinless tom turkey breast
meat prices on January 10, 2020, to April 17, June 6, and August 7, there was a 20 percent loss,
eight percent loss, and seven percent loss respectively. While we recognize and appreciate that
measuring losses on a per-pound price basis may not be sufficient given the unique business
structure of the turkey industry, we are confident a consistent measure of losses can be found.
We understand the USDA has been working with the poultry industry in identifying a formula
that will adequately, equitably, and consistently show where losses have occurred. We applaud
you for that work, and further urge you to finalize a formula in time to allow independent turkey
producers to be eligible for any additional and upcoming CFAP rounds. Many producers are left
ineligible due to the program not adequately recognizing the unique business structure of their
operations from the rest of the sector. We stand ready to work with you in providing this
assistance to a critical American industry.
Thank you once again for your leadership in providing critical support to our farmers and
ranchers.

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