Herb Kohl: “I am aware of concerns expressed by the senior Senator from California that several months ago a 72 square mile…”

“I am aware of concerns expressed by the senior Senator from California that several months ago a 72 square mile quarantine affecting 1,470 growers of at least 20 specialty crops was finally removed. I am told that no pre or post harvest treatment for many of these crops was provided by the USDA and that two fruit flies caused almost 150 growers to loss virtually their entire harvest, costing almost $3 million. The Fiscal Year 2001 Agriculture Appropriations Bill contains language directing the Secretary of Agriculture to use funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to compensate these growers. I expected that this assistance will be provided in a timely and efficient manner.”