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08/04/2011 09:21 AM EDT
Alaska Farm Service Agency
USDA Announces Payments to Provide Relief for High Transportation Costs Faced by Alaskan Farmers Ranchers, and Growers
Palmer, Alaska, July 21, 2011 - Danny Consenstein, Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Alaska, announced that Alaskan Farmers and ranchers who experience high transportation costs are now receiving payments through funding authorized through the Food, conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill).
The Reimbursement Transportation Costs Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (RTCP) assists farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii, and other outlying areas.
"Alaska farmers make a big contribution to the economy, the health, and the security of our communities. They provide jobs and healthy, local food for Alaskans. But our farmers face unique challenges. In addition to our northern climate, they experience high costs of fuel, equipment, materials, and fertilizer because of our location. The RTCP program helps level the playing field for our producers and provide more local food at competitive prices," said Consenstein.
"In 2009, when Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited Palmer, Bethel, and Hooper Bay, he saw first-hand the challenges faced by Alaska producers. USDA is committed to developing new programs like this that fit the needs of Alaska producers. I also want to thank our congressional delegation for all of their work to support this program in Congress." noted Consenstein.
139 Alaskan agricultural producers will soon be receiving $383,637 to help offset the high cost of farming in Alaska. Payments to individual producers range from $31 to $8,000.
Producers across the state are receiving payments. Farmers, ranchers, and growers from Craig, to Bethel, to Kodiak, and Manley Hot Springs are participating in the RTCP program. Some of the agricultural products they are producing include hay, vegetables, oysters, dairy products, grain, livestock, and peonies. These payments are for expenses incurred in 2010.
"The Obama Administration believes farm program should provide the stability and predictability agricultural producers need," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "American producers outside the contiguous States often have to take extraordinary measures to transport needed items to their farms and ranches, and then experience substantial costs when they transport their farm output to markets. This program will provide relief to eligible producers who are at a competitive disadvantage. "
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).
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