Via Almond Board of California – As you know, China’s retaliatory tariffs are impacting California almond exports. As a result, USDA is providing a $0.03/pound direct payment to eligible almond growers via the Market Facilitation Program (MFP).
The deadline for MFP applications is January 15, 2019.
Growers are invited to participate in one of three workshops hosted by the Almond Board and the Almond Alliance. These workshops will be offered on November 7, 8, and 9, in Chico, Modesto, and Fresno, respectively. Growers should also contact their local FSA office for further information and to get started on their application. The attached fact sheet and invitation include all the information needed to apply as well as details on the MFP workshops.
While we all would prefer to see our trade relationship with China get back on track, this is the first time almonds have been included in this type of direct payment program. Therefore, it is important that growers apply for the program and determine if they are eligible as their involvement will dictate what changes need to be made to the program, or if a direct payment program is a viable option for the almond industry in the future.
