NPF Applauds Passage of Agricultural Disaster Assistance
Pecan Growers Will Receive Aid After Natural Disaster Impacts
After many discussions and multiple legislative proposals, on December 20, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 10545 by a vote of 366-34, which included a continuing resolution for FY25 appropriations funding, a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $21 billion in agricultural disaster assistance, and $10 billion in agricultural economic assistance. The U.S. Senate passed H.R. 10545 overnight by a vote of 85-11, and President Biden signed the bill into law later December 21, 2024.
Pecan growers across the country have experienced devastating losses due to disasters such as Hurricane Helene, extreme heat and drought, and freeze damage. More specifically, many pecan growers are unable to reestablish their groves due to the extreme natural disaster damage experienced over the last two years. NPF met with members of Congress and the Administration in disaster areas and brought pecan growers to Capitol Hill, requesting assistance for those growers impacted by disasters.
NPF has advocated for grower economic assistance before 2025 due to increased costs of production, weak market prices, and low probability, in many cases, of accessing loan services for the next crop year. In addition to the passage of agricultural disaster assistance by Congress, The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently opened their application process for a $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program to provide payments to specialty crop producers, including pecan growers. Applications are due by January 8, 2025, and payment rates will be determined following this deadline.
NPF is grateful to the members of Congress who have fought to guarantee the inclusion of these meaningful provisions for pecan growers in the final FY25 appropriations legislation. This financial assistance is critically important for those who have lost their 2024 crop, many of whom were unsure if they could continue their farm operations in 2025.
Larry Don Womack, NPF chairman, said, “I would like to thank Congress for their hard work and long hours in getting the disaster recovery program passed for pecan growers in the last-minute legislation. As everyone knows, the last couple of years have been challenging for pecan growers due to inflationary pressures and weather events all across the pecan belt. Thank you to the team of legislators in Congress that ensured this economic boost for growers was completed before the end of the year.”
Mary Bruorton, executive director of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, said, “Pecan growers across Georgia have been searching for their next steps after Hurricane Helene devastated 48,000 acres of orchards. The passage of this disaster assistance legislation marks a critical turning point, providing much-needed support to help growers rebuild and recover from this unprecedented loss. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Congress for recognizing the urgency of this crisis and passing legislation vital to rebuilding Georgia’s agricultural industry.”
The National Pecan Federation (NPF) represents the Western Pecan Growers Association, Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association, Texas Pecan Growers Association, Southeastern Pecan Growers Association, Georgia Pecan Growers Association, and the National Pecan Shellers Association. The NPF’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve business conditions for the pecan industry by representing and advocating their common interest in our government. For additional information, contact Lorene Parker at (202) 543-7464 or by emailing lparker@reddingfirm.com.
