Monday, May 8, 2023
By: Gold Meadows
Oregon lawmakers lead the way to the approval of $52 million to purchase Oregon seafood products.
Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden led the charge to have the products purchased by the United States Department of Agriculture for distribution to food assistance programs for its commodity purchasing programs.
In a letter sent to the USDA, Merkley and others stated that inclusion in the program would provide a boost to West Coast fishermen and seafood processors while including their products in American food assistance programs.
Merkley and Wyden say the announcement is good news for Pacific coast fishing industry supporting coastal jobs and ports.
Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act.