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Senator Graham 

 page 2 



growers cannot be met by the current criteria of the ASCS 

 Crop Disaster Assistance Program. We feel the following 

 points must be included in a Bill to adequately address the 

 needs of South Dade's tropical fruit crops industry. 



1. The qualifying criteria for crop loss assistance should 

 be a loss of at least 40% of the crop during the fiscal year 

 following the disaster as opposed to a loss of at least 40% 

 of the crop during the calendar year in which the disaster 

 occurred. 



2. The section which deducts the amount of crop sold during 

 the calendar year must be omitted for the formula used to 

 calculate the actual amount a grower receives for losses, 

 because the calendar year will not be used as a measure of 

 time. 



3. Congress must pass a special appropriation of funds that 

 specifically addresses the long term nature of the disaster 



.caused by hurricane "Andrew" because ASCS only has funding 

 for the current year and program. 



In closing, we hope this letter clearly defines our concerns 

 and needs and the problems faced by the South Dade tropical 

 fruit crops industry as it rebuilds from the aftermath of 

 hurricane "Andrew". Our grower membership will greatly 

 appreciate your support and cooperation in this matter and 

 look forward to hearing from you promptly. Please contact 

 us at the address listed on the letterhead and/or contact 

 me, Dave Cartano at 305/233-3885 (home) or 305/284-6762 or 

 Mr. Fred Rutzke at 305/247-7946. 



Sincerely, 



Dave Cartano, President 

 Tropical Fruit Growers of 

 South Florida, Inc. 



cc. Ms. Karen Eskelin, ASCS 



Mr. Tom Kirby, Dade County Farm Bureau 



Mr. Dan Botts, FFVA 



Dr. Jim Davidson, Univ. of FL, IFAS 



Mr. Juan Guzman, Florida Mango Forum, Inc. 



Mr. James Humble, Lime and Avocado Adm. Committee 



Senator Daniel K. Akaka 



Senator Daniel K. Inouye 



Mr. James Nakatani, Hawaii Farm Bureau 



Mr. Wendell Koga, Hawaii Farm Bureau 



Gov. Lawton Chiles 



