WASHINGTON – Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., announced today that the Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will accept applications for apple market loss assistance beginning on January 18, 2001. Up to $100 million will be available to apple producers to help offset low market prices experienced during the 1998 and 1999 crop years. The funding was included in the Agriculture Appropriations bill for the 2001 fiscal year in an amendment authored by Levin.

"Our apple growers suffered tremendous losses during the past few years, and I am pleased that this funding will help to bring relief," Levin said. "There are a number of assistance programs available from USDA. I would encourage all fruit growers who produced crops during the 1998 and 1999 seasons to contact their USDA service center to determine if they are eligible for assistance."

In addition to the market loss assistance, the Farm Service Agency will also begin accepting applications on January 18 for the Crop Disaster Program. This program is available to farmers who suffered crop losses due to disasters in the year 2000. The Secretary of Agriculture declared agricultural disasters in 53 Michigan counties this year. Levin cosponsored an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations bill that increased the funding for this program.