The industry needs a purchase of about 25 million pounds before June 2000. This would remove surplus inventories, stabilize grower prices and position the industry favorably for next year's crop. Two delegations from the cherry industry have met with USDA officials and key members of Congress. CMI has alerted U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman of the urgent need for an immediate purchase. Many cherry processors have written letters or contacted their legislators about the need for a purchase.
Growers can help, too.
We want elected officials to put as much pressure on USDA as possible to buy 25 million pounds of cherries. In your letter, suggest that your legislator contact Secretary Glickman in support of this purchase. If you are unsure to whom the letter should be sent, please contact CMI for a list of your senators and representative. This group is a subcommittee of the CMI Board of Directors. Its goal is to drive the export agenda for the cherry industry, building a solid marketing plan that is results and sales oriented.