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For Immediate Release

PRESS RELEASE: NAWG Applauds House COVID-19 Wheat Letter to USDA

NEWS RELEASE

25 Massachusetts • Ste. 500B • Washington, D.C. • 20001 • 202-547-7800

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Contact:  Caitlin Eannello, 202.547.7800

 

NAWG Applauds House COVID-19 Wheat Letter to USDA

Washington, D.C. (September 04, 2020) – On September 4, 2020, 26 Members of Congress from wheat producing states issued a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that he use existing funds through the CARES Act to begin covering 2020 crop losses and to include all classes of wheat. This letter coincides with a similar letter sent by 21 Senators to Secretary Perdue earlier this week.

“NAWG is grateful for Congressman Frank Lucas’s (R-OK) leadership on this important effort to ensure all wheat farmers are eligible for important assistance to offset the economic impacts of COVID-19 on commodity prices,” said NAWG President and Cass City, MI, wheat grower Dave Milligan. “Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and representing farmers of all classes of wheat came together on this letter demonstrating the significant price drops experienced this year and the need for 2020 losses to be covered.”

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) provides important assistance for hard red spring and durum wheat farmers, but it does not include other classes of wheat which represent about 70 percent of 2019 production. CFAP also only currently provides assistance on 2019 grain that was considered to be at risk in the first quarter of the year. Despite the 2020 wheat harvest nearing completion, CARES Act funds have not yet been made available for 2020 crop losses.

About NAWG

NAWG is the primary policy representative in Washington D.C. for wheat growers, working to ensure a better future for America’s growers, the industry and the general public. NAWG works with a team of 20 state wheat grower organizations to benefit the wheat industry at the national level. From their offices on Capitol Hill, NAWG’s staff members are in constant contact with state association representatives, NAWG grower leaders, Members of Congress, Congressional staff members, Administration officials and the public.