(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Doc Hastings (WA-04) today led bipartisan congressional efforts to reverse proposed cuts to the Market Access Program (MAP).  President Obama’s budget proposal includes a 20 percent cut in MAP funds, a decision that would negatively affect Central Washington farmers. 

MAP is a United States Department of Agriculture program that provides matching grants to non-profit commodity organizations and broad-based agriculture groups to create and maintain overseas markets for U.S. agriculture products.  MAP funds are used for consumer promotions, market research and technical assistance.  In two separate letters, one to President Obama and the other to the House Budget Committee, the 26 lawmakers outlined the urgency for continued MAP funding.

“It is disappointing that one of the Administration’s first actions on agriculture is to reduce funding for a program that has a proven track record and is so important to the economy in local communities and trade dependent states like Washington,” said Hastings.  “MAP has been invaluable to Central Washington farmers and producers looking to market their products beyond the United States.  If the Administration cuts funds for MAP my district could see job losses and fewer export opportunities for specialty crops like apples, cherries and pears.  I am hopeful that by working in a bipartisan manner we can avert the cuts and restore funding to MAP.” 

A significant portion of Central Washington’s economy is based on exported agriculture production, and cuts to MAP would have serious consequences for local companies and their employees.  MAP benefits many specialty crop growers and processors who do not receive subsidy payments. 

In the letters, the Members noted that, “Supporting American farmers and farm communities must be a part of getting our economy back on track.  At a time when our nation is struggling to create jobs and our government is spending hundreds of billions to boost the economy, we believe cuts to MAP represent a step in the wrong direction.  It is difficult to understand why cuts to MAP are necessary while an increase is being proposed for the overall Department of Agriculture budget for next year.”

A sample of recipients of MAP funding include: Hop Growers of America, U.S. Apple Association, Washington Apple Commission, Washington State Fruit Commission, Welch’s, Cherry Marketing Institute, Northwest Wine Promotion Coalition, Pear Bureau Northwest, U.S. Dry Bean Council, and the USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council.