April 9, 2020

American Pistachio Growers is part of a specialty crop coalition advocating to Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for funding for specialty crop industries from the recently passed CARES Act. Recognizing the value of specialty crops in California, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA 23) and fellow Central Valley Representative Devin Nunes (R-CA 21) sent this letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2 trillion stimulus package, was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump at the end of March. Within the legislation, $9.5 billion was included to assist specialty crop producers; producers who support local food systems such as farmers’ markets, schools, and restaurants; and livestock producers, including dairy.