USDA approves trade help for Concord grape juice producer group
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has approved a petition for trade adjustment assistance that was filed earlier this year by a group of Concord grape juice producers in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
These producers are eligible to apply for fiscal 2005 benefits during an application period ending June 27.
Upon investigation, the agency determined that increased imports of grape juice contributed significantly to a decline in producer prices of Concord juice grapes in the region by 22 percent during August 2003 through July 2004, when compared to the previous five-year average.
Eligible producers must apply to the Farm Service Agency for benefits. The Extension Service will provide free technical assistance and eligible producers may receive an adjustment assistance payment if certain criteria are met.