USDA approves trade help for California olive growers

USDA approves trade help for California olive growers    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has approved a petition for trade adjustment assistance filed by the Olive Growers Council, based in Visalia, Calif.
   Starting on March 14, California black olive producers will be eligible to apply for fiscal 2005 benefits during an application period ending June 13.
   The USDA determined that imports of processed olives contributed to a 27.8 percent decline in California producer prices during the January-December 2003 marketing period, compared to the five-year average.
   Eligible producers must apply to the Farm Service Agency for benefits at no cost to them. Applicants must obtain technical help from the Extension Service by Sept. 12 to be eligible for financial benefits, the USDA said.