"EAT HEALTHY AMERICA ACT" INTRODUCED IN HOUSE

Reps. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.), Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), Kevin McCarty (R-Calif.), John Salazar (D-Colo.), Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.), and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), introduced the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (EAT Healthy America Act) March 20. As of Friday, the bill, HR 1600, has 63 co-sponsors. Backers hope the legislation will be a part of the 2007 farm bill.

“The specialty crop industry represents a significant segment of American agriculture,” Putnam said. “But since they are not considered program crops, specialty crops are often ignored when it comes to the development and implementation of U.S. farm policy. This important agricultural sector, accounting for over a third of U.S. farm cash receipts, faces increasing challenges in the production and marketing of their commodities that must be addressed if they are to remain competitive,” Putnam added.

FFVA and other members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance have been working with Congress to develop policy recommendations for inclusion in the new farm bill. FFVA is a co-chair of the Alliance, a national coalition of 100-plus organizations who are working with members of Congress on the development of the legislation.

The recommendations include proposals for new research programs, state block grants, expanded conservation initiatives, invasive pest prevention and management, increased export market access, and innovative nutrition programs. The Alliance is also fighting to maintain a provision in the 2002 Farm Bill that prohibits the planting of fruits and vegetables on land for which growers receive subsidies.

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is now working on increasing the number of house co-sponsors to 100.

Senate sponsors expect to have a final draft of their version, the Specialty Crop Competition Act of 2007, ready by Tuesday, with introduction by the end of this week.

OPERATION CLEANSWEEP COLLECTS 1 MILLION POUNDS OF PESTICIDES

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced March 14 that "Operation Cleansweep" has collected more than 1 million pounds of pesticides during the program's 12 years of operation.

A partnership between FDACS and DEP, the program collects canceled, suspended or unusable pesticides from Florida farmers, nurseries, golf courses and pest control companies for proper disposal. Funded by in-kind contributions from public and private partners and the Florida Legislature, the program's goal is to collect and dispose of unwanted pesticides as well as prevent the need for future Operation Cleansweep collections through proper storage, labeling and pesticide purchasing.

WATERMELON ASSOCIATION TEAMS UP WITH KIDS' TV SERIES

The National Watermelon Association announced earlier this month that it had teamed up with The Wumblers preschool television series. The pairing will include joint endorsements and promotions educating families to the nutritional benefits of healthy eating made fun.

The Wumblers will begin airing in Fall 2007 on Trinity Broadcasting and Smile of A Child networks. (http://www.wumblers.com )

SECOND ANNUAL AG EXPO SETS DATE

Save the date for the Second Annual Florida Ag Expo to be held December 6-7, 2007 at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research & Education Center in Balm.

For information on exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, contact Florida Grower magazine’s Marc Stockwell or Nancy Howard at (407) 539-6552.