Following Push From Luján and Ag Committee Democrats, Trump Administration Releases $1.3 Billion for Specialty Crop Producers

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released $1.3 billion in assistance for specialty crop producers that was previously withheld:

“Our specialty crop producers provide high-quality, nutritious produce that feeds our nation and the world. Yet the Trump administration and Elon Musk recklessly suspended critical assistance that our producers rely on. This halt in funding was a direct blow to our agricultural industry and should never have happened.

“I called on the Trump administration to ensure our farmers, ranchers, and producers receive the support they need — and now, the administration has heeded that call. New Mexico’s specialty crop producers work tirelessly to put food on tables and support our signature crops, from pecans to chile. I’m relieved they will now regain access to the resources they need and deserve. Specialty crop producers are the backbone of U.S. agriculture, and I will continue defending them from attacks by this administration.”

Background on Senator Luján’s efforts to ensure assistance for New Mexico specialty crop producers, farmers, and ranchers:

Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats sent a letter to then-USDA Acting Secretary Gary Washington asking for clarity and to raise concerns regarding the impact of recent Executive Orders and Presidential Memo on the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

“Farmers, ranchers, schools, and state governments have contacted my office in search of clarity on programs, websites, offices, and activities impacted by these orders. Conflicting information from the administration has added to the uncertainty, costing those who depend on the Department time and money,” said Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats. “The farmers, rural families, and businesses that depend on the Department need certainty to plan ahead for this growing season.”

Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats urged USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to ensure the timely delivery of economic and disaster assistance to farmers, ranchers, and producers.

“Farmers of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops have also experienced difficult economic conditions and high input prices. Specialty crop producers have already applied for and received initial payment under the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC), and USDA should make the planned additional payments before we get into the growing season,” said Senator Luján and Agriculture Committee Democrats.

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