Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

The United Fresh Produce Association and industry partners have presented a comprehensive Produce Market Stabilization Program to the Department of Agriculture. The proposal would immediately support critical financial needs in the produce supply chain. In addition, 108 members of Congress have sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging USDA to support the proposal. United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel says the industry “has come together to support a consensus proposal to USDA, and Congress has come together to let our national decision-makers know how important this is across the country and every sector of our business.” The proposal is a “roadmap” for how USDA can support the industry immediately. Next, United Fresh says, will come deep discussions and analysis within USDA in channeling resources to multiple interests. Stenzel says, “we believe there will have to be continuing additional financial relief from Congress if our economy is going to be able to pull out of this crisis and grow again.”