FARM BILL LISTENING SESSION RECAP

ISSUE 1083


Spend more money to encourage people to eat fruits and vegetables. Stop subsidizing corn used in the production of high fructose corn sweeteners. Alter the federal crop insurance program so the premium for fruit and vegetable growers is set at a different rate than for subsidized commodities. Those were some of the messages conveyed to USDA Secretary Mike Johanns Tuesday (September 27) by a wide-ranging assortment of Florida commodity groups at the Farm Bill Listening Session held during FFVA’s 62nd Annual Convention.
Among other issues addressed were that the Farm Bill should have provisions protecting domestic specialty crops against international competitors and that more money should go to research for developing resistance to pests and diseases.
The forum was the first to be held in Florida, and is part of a series of similar events held across the country. A second Florida session takes place October 19, 1:30 p.m., at Miami Dade College. Food Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Eric Bost will host that event.

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

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FLORIDA AG GIVES USDA SECRETARY DIRECTION ON FARM BILL