October 2, 2006

ISSUE 1135

SPECIALTY CROPS BILL INTRODUCED IN HOUSE

The Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (or the "EAT Healthy America Act"), was introduced Wednesday (September 27) by U.S. Representatives Richard Pombo (R-CA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Adam Putnam (R-FL) and John Salazar (D-CO).

The legislation includes proposals for new research programs, expanded conservation initiatives, invasive pest prevention and management, export market access, and nutrition programs. The proposals do not include direct payments to producers, but instead are public/private partnership investments designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop growers.

FFVA, as part of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, has been working with Congress to develop comprehensive specialty crop legislation for consideration in the 2007 Farm Bill debate.

“Specialty crop producers are finally taking a seat at the farm bill table,” said FFVA President Mike Stuart, who co-chairs the Alliance. “We’re not looking for producer subsidies,” Stuart said, continuing, “What we are seeking is a package of diverse initiatives designed to help specialty crop producers compete in an increasingly difficult global marketplace.”

As reported in last week’s Rap-Up, FFVA Chairman Jay Taylor testified on behalf of specialty crop growers at a hearing chaired by the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, prior to the bill’s introduction.