Washington, D.C. - Today Governor Locke announced the distribution of $10.1 million to the Washington state agriculture industry, $2.8 of which will go directly to raspberry growers.  The $10.1 million block grant was part of an effort by Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Brian Baird (WA-03) to assist red raspberry growers in their districts, who have been selling at a loss.

Larsen said, “The raspberry industry has been hit particularly hard by low prices and foreign competition in the last few years.  This much needed assistance will help many producers get back on their feet again.”

Baird added, “Our raspberry growers have been exposed to harsh and unfair market conditions, and I’m pleased that they’ll receive some much needed relief today.  Rick [Larsen] and I have worked hard to provide federal funds to offset some of the losses that raspberry growers have endured.  I’m dedicated to continue to work for small farmers, and I urge everyone to help this important Washington industry by purchasing Washington grown products.”

Larsen continued, “There is no question that the industry could have used more assistance.  Given the needs of the other specialty crops in the state, I think the raspberry industry got a fair and reasonable amount.  I applaud Governor Locke and State Secretary of Agriculture Jim Jesernig for their work in assisting the raspberry industry.”

Larsen and Baird introduced H.R. 2105, a bill that would have authorized $15 million in market loss assistance to red raspberry growers.  After numerous attempts to provide relief for Washington state red raspberry growers, the $10.1 million block grant for specialty crops was a compromise included in the Agricultural Economic Assistance Act of 2001. 

Larsen is the first member of Congress from Western Washington to sit on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture in over half a century.  His district includes Whatcom County – the largest red raspberry producing county in the nation. 

Baird’s district also includes numerous specialty crops, especially red raspberries and cranberries.  $25,000 of the grant will go to support a national generic cranberry promotion program based on health benefits research.