Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields says specialty crop producers continue facing significant economic pressure and are looking for additional support from policymakers. Shields said specialty crops face higher production costs and unique challenges compared to traditional program crops. “We’re not asking for a handout, we’re asking for assistance to continue to provide quality, whole food that our industry demands.” Shields, who was part of Senator Hoeven’s ag roundtable event on Tuesday, added specialty crop growers often struggle to fit within existing federal farm programs.
