98 





Bla'rt; Ferty Road N.E. 

 Ceda' Rapids, Iowa 52402 



Telephone (319) 393-5565 



final approval and that if the growers are not satisfied with the 

 <-3tee that they may appeal. However, it seems more logical to 

 allow comments before these rates are set in concrete in order to 

 help prevent the hassle of appealing for both the growers and ASCS . 



When I attended the Specialty Crops . Subcommittee hearing on 

 November 16th, one of the comments from USDA was that they worked 

 wi;h the nursery industry in developing tl.c disaster assistance 

 program. I am asking you to work with the Iowa nursery industry 

 also. I understand that there is no provision that requires you to 

 solicit in order for you to establish rates that are viewed as fair 

 to all concerned. 



I also hope that there will be some administrative changes or at 

 least some clarifications made to the disaster assistance program 

 for specialty crop growers as a result of that hearing and other 

 meetings. While I realize that many growers are anxious to receive 

 their payments, I encourage you to ask about any changes before 

 finalizing everything. 



Again, the horticultural crop producers request the opportunity to 

 meet. with Mr. Grau and you to discuss issues and concerns that our 

 growers have in accessing disaster assistance. I appreciate the 

 time you spent with me on the telephone and hope to hear back from 

 you soon . "■ 



Shirley FeckoFrh, 



Legislative Liaison 



Iowa Nursery & Landscape Association 



Mr . Espy 



Representative Rose 

 Mr. Grau 

 Senator Harkin 

 Representative Nussle 



