Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders from Washington and Oregon are requesting support from the Bush administration for growers impacted by the bankruptcy of Oregon/Washington Potato Company.
Seven Washington and three Oregon representatives have signed a letter to Sec. Ann Veneman of the USDA urging her to seek remedies. This could include USDA assistance in the form or low-interest loans or some form of federal financing.
The letter was coordinated by Congressman Doc Hastings' office at the request of the Washington Potato Commission.
Growers who had signed contracts to grow exclusively for the company were left without anyone to buy their potatoes. Many growers are facing severe financial hardship and possible bankruptcy.
Attempts to get help through the courts to require the firm to honor contracts met with failure.