OCTOBER 24, 2005

ISSUE 1086

FFVA URGES INCREASED GOVERNMENT PRODUCE PURCHASES

 

Florida producers would benefit from increases in government fruit and vegetable purchases to help Americans meet the latest dietary guidelines. That was the message from FFVA at a USDA farm bill forum in Miami last Wednesday (Oct. 19). The forum, which focused on USDA's nutrition programs, was part of several being conducted across the country in advance of drafting the 2007 farm bill.

 

"Increases in fruit and vegetable purchases, for schools or other feeding programs, would help

 

American consumers, especially kids, live healthier lives and, at the same time, help Florida producers," said Ray Gilmer, FFVA's public affairs director.

 

USDA Under Secretary Eric Bost, who presided over the forum, said his office would be collecting public comments through the fall and would post comments on the USDA website by the end of the year.

 

The nutrition title of the farm bill contains provisions for a variety of government-funded feeding and purchase programs, including food stamps and school lunches. FFVA, working with the Produce for Better Health Foundation, advocates adoption of policies that increase government purchases of fruits and vegetables and allow greater purchases of produce by food stamp participants.

 

For more information, contact Ray Gilmer at FFVA, 321-214-5200, or ray.gilmer@ffva.com.