STATEWIDE U.S. Senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet last week joined U.S. Rep. John Salazar in applauding a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision to purchase up to $9 million of surplus fresh potatoes and up to $21.9 million of surplus fresh fruits for federal food nutrition assistance programs.
The USDAs decision, announced on Friday by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, will provide immediate relief for Colorado potato farmers struggling in the face of low commodity prices and a growing surplus of their product. Colorado is one of the top five potato-producing states in the country and these funds will help support the states rural economy by putting revenue directly in the hands of potato farmers, which also can help stimulate the local economy.
As a lifelong Colorado farmer and rancher I know how difficult it can be to have to sit on surplus crops and, as the father of three, I know how important it is that our kids get healthy produce as part of their school lunch program, said Salazar, a San Luis Valley native who continues to work on the family farm. This decision will provide financial support for farmers and healthy food for our children. I thank the Department of Agriculture for taking this step.
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