October 29, 2007

ISSUE 1190

SPECIALTY CROPS MAKE GAINS IN SENATE AG COMMITTEE FARM BILL

The Senate Agriculture Committee on Oct. 25 approved its version of the Farm Bill.
Of interest to specialty crop producers are the inclusion of funding for the school snack program, state block grants and research as well as the proposed Average Cost Revenue program that would allow program crop growers to plant specialty crops under certain circumstances.

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, co-chaired by FFVA President Mike Stuart, said this about the committee bill:“Today’s action in the Senate Agriculture Committee is an important step forward in recognizing the importance of specialty crops in national farm policy. We appreciate the bipartisan support for our priorities that helped shape the bill passed by the committee, and we look forward to continuing to work with Congressional allies to address specialty crop needs as the bill is considered on the Senate floor and in conference. This legislation makes a strong commitment in improving nutrition and reducing obesity among children by expanding the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program to 5,000 schools and 4.5 million children. The Senate Farm Bill acknowledged other specialty crops key priorities such as providing trade assistance and market promotion tools to open new and expand existing international markets, investing in research to improve the quality, taste and nutrition of fruits and vegetables, and support for state specialty crop competitiveness projects that target the specific needs of local specialty crop producers. In addition, today’s action coupled with the Senate Finance Committee will foster significant improvements in efforts by USDA to combat invasive pest and diseases.”

The full Senate is expected to take up the debate the week of Nov. 5. The coalition will continue working with lawmakers on additional funding for research and state block grants and to address other concerns in the legislation that will affect growers of specialty crops.