May 26, 2008

ISSUE 1220

ALL BUT ONE TITLE OF FARM BILL NOW LAW, LEGISLATORS SAY

Although the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate overturned President Bush’s veto of the farm bill, the process hit an unexpected snag when legislators realized that the bill sent to the White House for the president’s signature was missing the 34-page trade title.

Congressional leaders have said, however, that the 14 titles in the bill will still become law. "Following veto override votes of 316-108 in the House and 82-13 in the Senate, the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 has been enacted into law, with the exception of the bill's trade title,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson of Minnesota and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte of Virginia said in a statement.

Lawmakers said they would take up the missing trade section as a separate bill and pass it after their Memorial Day break.

The new farm bill contains many provisions that will benefit growers of specialty crops. Every major priority identified by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance was included in the final farm bill, including increasing access to fruits and vegetables for all Americans -- especially children, enhancing state block grants that focus on local and regional needs, targeted research programs, improved pest and disease programs, expanding the global competitiveness for specialty crops and increased access to conservation programs. FFVA President Mike Stuart co-chairs the alliance and has helped to lead the three-year effort to include specialty crop industry needs in the bill.
 

ALSO IN THIS WEEK'S RAP-UP

(Members-Only articles are indicated in bold.)

ALL BUT ONE TITLE OF FARM BILL NOW LAW, LEGISLATORS SAY

SENATE DROPS FEINSTEIN GUEST-WORKER BILL

SFWMD ELECTS OFFICERS, SCHEDULES C-139 BASIN GRANTS WORKSHOP

BURGER KING MAKES DEAL WITH COALITION OF IMMOKALEE FARMWORKERS

FARM TO FUEL SUMMIT COMING

SYNGENTA AND FFVA ACCEPTING SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

AGRI-WOMEN SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT IS JUNE 7