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Last night, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue requesting the USDA purchase an increased amount of Michigan grown asparagus. In the letter, Huizenga discusses how having the USDA announce a significant bonus purchase by May will improve food security for Americans relying on enhanced school lunch programs, food banks, and senior meal programs while increasing certainty for West Michigan growers and processors.

“When you consider that the asparagus industry is already facing questionable foreign trade practices, labor barriers, and historically low prices, along with the negative impact of Covid-19, it is critical the USDA announce a bonus purchase before the harvest begins in early May,” writes Huizenga. “By purchasing additional asparagus prior to the start of the harvest season, the USDA would be providing critical relief to the industry. Michigan grown asparagus would also be a valuable nutritional addition to food banks, schools, and senior meal programs in this time of need.”

Huizenga’s full letter to the USDA is available to online here.