Pacific Northwest Grower Associations React to RMA Decision

    RITZVILLE, WA, September 30, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- This year, wheat growers in the Pacific Northwest are receiving heavy discounts at the elevator due to low falling numbers. The impact is compounded by the fact that low falling numbers this year will also lower a producer's Actual Production History (APH) when a producer goes to sign up for crop insurance for next year's crop, even if no insurance claim had been filed for low falling numbers.

This has been a growing concern in the Pacific Northwest. The Washington Association of Wheat Growers, Idaho Grain Producers Association, and Oregon Wheat Growers League are disappointed that the RMA has denied our request to exempt falling numbers from APH calculations this year, despite wide support from PNW industry, state agencies, and Congressional delegations. We are extremely disappointed that RMA offered no other option to address the situation now, when our growers most need the help.

We are aware of the hardship our growers are facing, given historically low prices following several years of drought. Many producers are at risk of losing their farms and the impacts of low falling numbers are making the situation worse. Our organizations are committed to finding a better way to handle falling number discounts and will continue to work with RMA to develop a feasible solution for growers.

Contact: Michelle Hennings, Washington Association of Wheat Growers (509) 659-0610

Stacey Satterlee, Idaho Grain Producers Association (208) 345-0706

Blake Rowe, Oregon Wheat Growers League (541) 276-7330

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