UP Gazette

Rep. Jack Bergman, along with Rep. John Moolenaar and more than thirty other lawmakers, has urged U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to ensure that specialty crops are included in any upcoming USDA economic aid package. In a letter addressed to Secretary Rollins, the legislators emphasized the importance of specialty crops for the United States economy and highlighted the specific challenges faced by farmers who grow these products.

The letter stated, "specialty crops are critical to America’s food security, dietary health, and economic vitality. They represent a significant share of our agricultural output, provide job opportunities across rural communities, and support a robust export market. Beyond their economic impact, specialty crops sustain a strong nutritional foundation critical for improving public health and lowering long-term health care costs across the nation."

The lawmakers continued by noting that "producers of specialty crops continue to face unique challenges, including high labor costs, vulnerabilities to weather and supply chain disruption, and limited risk management options compared to other commodities. In times of market disruption or natural disaster, these producers are disproportionately at risk. Without adequate support, the financial health of our growers is jeopardized."

In support of the initiative, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance said: "Specialty crops represent a considerable portion of crop value in the United States and are grown in rural communities throughout all 50 states. Despite significant challenges, the family farms responsible for these crops produce the safe, nutritious fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, as well as cultivate the trees, flowers and plants that play a vital role in the nation’s health and wellbeing. Any economic aid package designed for agriculture must include specialty crops."

Michigan is noted as leading in production of several specialty crops such as apples, asparagus, blueberries, cherries, cucumbers and squash. The state produces one of the most diverse arrays of crops nationwide and contributes over $100 billion annually to Michigan's economy.

Media reports have indicated that an economic aid package for farmers is currently being prepared by the administration.

Jack Bergman has represented Michigan’s 1st district in Congress since 2017 after succeeding Dan Benishek (https://www.congress.gov/member/jack-bergman/B001301). Born in Shakopee, Minnesota in 1947 and now residing in Watersmeet (https://www.mlive.com/news/2022/10/who-is-jack-bergman-meet-the-michigan-congressional-candidate-in-the-1st-district.html), Bergman graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA before also attending University of West Florida.

A full copy of the lawmakers’ letter to Secretary Rollins can be found here.