July 30, 2007

ISSUE 1177

FARM BILL VOTE A VICTORY FOR SPECIALTY CROP INDUSTRY

The House voted 231-191 to pass its version of a new farm bill July 27 in spite of a controversial funding proposal imposing a tax on foreign companies with U.S. subsidiaries and an attempt to include certain provisions involving trade and investment with Cuba.

Among other measures, the bill would:

• Expand the USDA Fruit & Vegetable Snack Program to all 50 states. The program helps children develop lifelong healthy eating habits by increasing their consumption of fruits and vegetables

• Enhance critical trade assistance and market promotion tools that would broaden the industry’s access to international markets

• Expand research to combat invasive pest and diseases, which cost the industry millions of dollars a year

• Increase investment in research to improve the taste and quality of foods

• Expand Specialty Crop Competitiveness Projects, or block grants, in all 50 states to address local priorities

Among the amendments addressed, Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Cal., introduced and later withdrew an amendment transferring plant pest inspection duties back to USDA from the Department of Homeland Security. He promised to continue his efforts on the issue, however, which will be helpful in increasing awareness and building momentum when the Senate takes up its version of the farm bill.

“This is a history-making bill for our industry,” said FFVA President Mike Stuart. FFVA has worked for more than two years as part of a broad-based national coalition of specialty crop organizations on a farm bill that is balanced and equitable for our industry. “We appreciate the hard work of Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, Congressman Dennis Cardoza and Florida’s congressional delegation,” said Stuart.

FARM BILL VOTE A VICTORY

USDA EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD ON REGULATIONS FOR MOVEMENT OF FLORIDA CITRUS

HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY COLLECTS NEARLY HALF OF NEEDED SIGNATURES

GOV. CRIST APPPOINTS THREE TO WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PAUL DICKMAN PASSES AWAY

CONVENTION VENUE OFFERS VARIETY OF ACCOMODATIONS

WEDGWORTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY

SHOP MANAGER NEEDED