USDA provides trade help to Washington juice grape growers

USDA provides trade help to Washington juice grape growers    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has approved a petition for trade adjustment assistance that was filed to the agency by the National Grape Cooperative Association of Washington state Feb. 21.
   The USDA found that increased imports of non-concentrated and concentrated grape juice contributed significantly to a decline in producer prices of Concord juice grapes in Washington by 36 percent from August 2004 to July 2005, when compared with the previous five-year average.
   Starting March 27, Washington Concord juice grape producers are eligible to apply for fiscal 2006 benefits during an application period ending June 26. The USDA’s Extension Service will provide technical help to eligible producers at no cost and some producers may receive an adjustment assistance payment, if certain program criteria are met.
   The USDA, however, rejected a petition from the Washington State Potato Commission. After its investigation, the USDA found that imports did not contribute significantly to a decline in producer prices. During the 2004-2005 marketing year, imports declined by 5.1 percent, the USDA said.