Nov 24, 2021Pecan PAC calls on industry members for financial assistance
As we enter into the 2021 pecan harvest, I would like to update you on the initiatives of the National Pecan Federation (NPF). Upon establishment in 2019, the National Pecan Federation set out to be the voice in Washington for the pecan industry. NPF is a united organization composed of state, regional, and national associations involved in pecan production and processing. In the past three years, the federation has been a strong industry advocate in Washington, D.C. Growers, shellers, and processors have joined forces to provide education to our lawmakers regarding all aspects of our industry.
The progress made thus far could not have been accomplished without the help and guidance of Robert Redding of The Redding Firm. Bob has offered insight into the mechanisms of Washington. One example of this would be the 2019 Walk on the Hill when a small team of pecan industry representatives met with thirteen Members of Congress and top officials at the Office of the United States Trade Representative. This was all accomplished within a span of a day and a half. The efforts of this team and Bob’s constant advocacy with Members of Congress has produced many benefits for the pecan industry. Millions of dollars have been returned to pecan producers through tariff mitigation payments, COVID-19 relief, hurricane disaster relief, and other forms of financial assistance. Additional efforts include working to lower India’s tariff on U.S. pecan imports and ensuring that research in both production and processing has, and will continue, to receive millions of dollars in the coming years.
What I am asking of you, as a pecan industry member, is to financially contribute and aid us in continuing our work in Washington, D.C. With the current political climate and the congressional election cycle coming up, our political action committee, PECAN PAC, is more important than ever to our industry.
Industry members often ask how much to contribute. With this being a new advocacy opportunity for the Federation, all I can do is share Womack Nursery’s contribution as an example; $1,000-1,500 per year of our 200 acre dry land production. Many industry members have generously contributed the maximum of $5000 per year.
Please remember the PECAN PAC is a political action committee. Individuals, LLC’s, and partnerships can contribute. Corporate contributions are prohibited. Please send contributions to:
PECAN PAC
313 Massachusetts Ave., NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Thank you for your past and future support.
Larry Don Womack
Chairman
National Pecan Federation
Cell: (806) 445-6497
Office: (254) 893-6497
– Larry Don Womack, Chairman, National Pecan Federation
