FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Lisa Lochridge
FFVA Director of Public Affairs
321-214-5200

 

FFVA APPLAUDS SENATORS FOR INTRODUCTION
OF SPECIALTY CROPS COMPETITION ACT OF 2007

MAITLAND, Fla. (April 19, 2007) –  The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association today applauded U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, for their role in the introduction today of the Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007.

FFVA is one of more than 90 specialty crop grower organizations that make up the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a group dedicated to ensuring that the 2007 Farm Bill includes policy provisions that enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. specialty crop industry and increase consumption of more than 300 specialty crops grown in the United States.

The measure is a necessary, proactive step to ensure that specialty crop producers remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace, said FFVA President Mike Stuart, who is co-chairman of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. “Although specialty crop producers don’t favor a direct payment program for their crops, the industry contributes nearly 50 percent of farm cash receipts. We’re encouraged that Congress is providing the leadership to develop a Farm Bill that affords a greater sense of balance between specialty crops and traditional program crops.”

Danny Raulerson, FFVA’s director of marketing and international trade, added, “The Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007 is a comprehensive bill that addresses many important issues for the specialty crop industry.” The Act focuses on marketing and international trade, specialty crops research and grants, invasive pests and disease research programs, disaster relief and nutrition programs.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (www.ffva.com) is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.