Taking on the Challenge of a Farm Economy Crisis

Dozens of agriculture organizations are urging Congress to address the growing economic crisis facing American farmers. A recently composed letter signed by a broad coalition representing both commodity and specialty crop agriculture — including the North American Blueberry Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Apple Association, International Fresh Produce Association, National Potato Council, and many more — highlights the urgent need for immediate economic relief to ensure the continued viability of U.S. farming operations.

“America’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are facing extreme economic pressures that threaten the long-term viability of the U.S. agriculture sector,” the letter states. “An alarming number of farmers are financially underwater.”

For blueberry growers in particular, these pressures have been building for several years. Record-high input costs, including labor, fertilizer, fuel, packaging, and transportation have pushed many operations into negative margins. According to a study by Michigan State University, the average blueberry grower is operating at an economic breakeven.

The letter expresses appreciation for recent investments by Congress and USDA in agricultural support. However, it emphasizes that these efforts have not been sufficient to offset the magnitude of losses facing both commodity and specialty crop producers. The letter urges Congress to provide immediate economic assistance to close the remaining gap, while continuing to pursue long-term policies that strengthen domestic demand for U.S.-grown agricultural products.

Click here to read the letter addressing what’s being described as a farm economy crisis.