March 17, 2008

ISSUE 1210

CONGRESS EXTENDS CURRENT FARM BILL UNTIL APRIL 18

Congress agreed this week to extend the current farm bill until April 18, and President Bush indicated that he would sign the legislation. He also said Congress should keep current farm law for another year if lawmakers can't agree by April 18 on a new bill.

The 2002 bill first expired on Sept. 30. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance called the latest extension a “missed opportunity” for legislation that improves nutrition for Americans and allows specialty crops to better compete globally.

“Both the House and Senate versions of the farm bill make a strong investment in specialty crops and their priorities,” the Alliance said in a statement. “It is imperative that congressional leaders and the administration continue working during this extension to craft legislation that recognizes our priorities, including improving nutrition, enhancing research capabilities, eradicating invasive pests and diseases and increasing state competitiveness projects that focus on food safety and increased consumption of specialty crops.”

President Bush has threatened to veto both the House- and Senate-passed versions of the bill.

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)

CONGRESS EXTENDS CURRENT FARM BILL UNTIL APRIL 18

COMMENTS ON H-2A CHANGES DUE MARCH 31

USDA RAISES CITRUS FORECAST

VOLUNTEERS INVITED TO READ FOR AG LITERACY DAY

WATER WORKSHOP SERIES TO WRAP UP

CITRUS SUMMIT ZEROES IN ON GREENING

FFVA HOLIDAY SCHEDULE