Mobile Courant

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has called for increased funding for pecan farmers through the USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP). In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Tuberville highlighted the disparity in recent RAPP funding allocations, which have significantly favored other tree nut industries over pecans. The first RAPP funding allocation of $300 million awarded only $1 million to the American Pecan Council, while almonds, walnuts, and pistachios received $10 million, $7 million, and $5 million respectively.

The RAPP aims to boost demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets worldwide. For the pecan industry, such funding could enhance trade relations with India, identified as a key market for pecans. Tuberville requested equal consideration for the remaining $900 million in future RAPP funding awards.

"All domestic tree nut producers deserve an equal opportunity to grow their export markets and compete on a global scale, not just growers in California and on the west coast," wrote Tuberville and his colleagues. "The domestic pecan industry has a larger footprint than other tree nuts and represents American farmers of all backgrounds and geographic regions."

Joining Tuberville in this appeal were Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The National Pecan Federation (NPF) and Alabama Pecan Growers Association have expressed support for Tuberville's efforts. Larry Don Womack, Chairman of NPF stated: "The pecan industry has suffered lower prices for the last few crops. The export market is essential as one tool to get better prices for our producers." He added that India offers significant growth opportunities for the pecan industry.

Bran Futral, President of Alabama Pecan Growers Association commented: "The APGA is very excited about all the work that is being done to communicate the huge role pecans can play in nutrition and the impact on farming economy in Alabama... We want to thank Sen Tuberville's efforts."

Alabama is one of the top pecan producers in the country with growers harvesting approximately 3 million pounds across 9,000 acres in 2022. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Alabama had over 837 producers harvesting nearly 8,840 acres of pecans.

During recent Farm Bill listening sessions throughout Alabama, Senator Tuberville met with several pecan growers who sought inclusion of pecans in farmer’s market programs. This led him to introduce the Farmers’ Market Expansion Act making tree nuts eligible for USDA’s Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Language from this act was included in a recent House AG Committee Farm Bill.

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on multiple committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.