Growers Got Wrong Aid Payments, Audit Finds

Bankrupt growers who received an unusual congressional aid package were given incorrect payments, federal investigators say.

An audit of the Tri Valley Growers and Agriculture Department officials found that nearly half of the growers received incorrect funds. Most were given more than they were due, although some received less.

The mistakes, which exceeded $300,000, were uncovered by the Agriculture Department’s Office of Inspector General. The department’s Farm Service Agency handled the payments.

“We agree that FSA must either collect back overpayments or disburse underpayments to eligible peach growers that participated in the program,” said Bradley Karmen, the Agriculture Department’s acting deputy administrator.