The Senate voted 79-14 to approve a $286 billion farm bill on Dec. 14 that includes funding for many of the priorities of the specialty crop industry.
“This Farm Bill includes important provisions designed to bolster the competitive standing of the industry in today’s global marketplace,” the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance said in a statement. “We strongly encourage Congressional leaders to move quickly to appoint a conference committee so differences between the versions of the Farm Bill can be worked out in a timely manner. In addition, we look forward to working with the Bush Administration in coming together and signing into law a Farm Bill that recognizes the priorities of specialty crops.” FFVA President Mike Stuart is a co-chair of the alliance, which has worked for more than two years to ensure the 2007 Farm Bill addresses the needs of the specialty crop industry.
On Dec. 13, senators narrowly rejected the Dorgan-Grassley amendment, which would have limited overall farm payments to $250,000 a year per married couple, down from the current limit of $360,000. The amendment, which needed 60 votes to pass, failed 56-43. The Lugar-Lautenberg amendment, which would have phased out most farm subsidies and replaced them with crop insurance for all farmers, also was rejected.
The Senate and House versions of the bill now must be reconciled in a conference committee. President Bush has threatened to veto the bill, but it appears there would be enough votes to override a veto.
USDA’s ORANGE CROP ESTIMATE REMAINS AT 168 MILLION BOXES
The state’s 2007-2008 orange crop estimate remains at 168 million boxes, according to a revised forecast released Dec. 11 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The department’s overall estimate for Florida grapefruit also remains unchanged. However, the white grapefruit estimate fell from 9 million to 8 million boxes, and colored grapefruit increased from 16 million to 17 million boxes. The tangerine estimate dropped from 5.1 million to 4.8 million boxes.
Orange production fell from 230 million boxes in 2001-2002 to 129 million boxes in 2006-2007, largely from the effects of hurricanes and citrus canker and greening. This year’s forecast represents a 30 percent increase over last year’s production.
The complete USDA crop forecast is available from the Florida Agriculture Statistics Service online at http://www.nass.usda.gov.
CITRUS GREENING SUMMIT SET FOR DEC. 17-18
Federal, state and citrus industry officials will discuss efforts to mitigate and prevent citrus greening at a summit set for Dec. 17 and 18 in Bethesda, Md. “This summit is an unprecedented opportunity for citrus health experts to come together as they work to find a solution in controlling the spread of citrus greening,” said Bruce Knight, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is hosting the summit. “Citrus greening is a serious bacterial disease of citrus fruit that greatly reduces production, can kill trees and destroys the economic value of citrus fruit. It's important that we work together to stop its spread," he added. Citrus greening has been found in 28 Florida counties.
Summit participants will include specific subject matter experts from citrus-producing states who represent the industry, regulatory and research arenas.
Gale Buchanan, undersecretary for USDA’s Research, Education and Economics mission area, will be a keynote speaker.
Additional information about the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service programs is available at www.aphis.usda.gov.
CALIFORNIA GROUPS FILE SUIT OVER SEPTORIA REGULATION
California Citrus Mutual, Sunkist Growers and two California grower and shipper organizations have filed a lawsuit in Tallahassee over a new state regulation requiring all citrus shipped from California to Florida to be inspected, fumigated and certified that it is free of Septoria spot. The fungus has been found in two California counties. An emergency hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18.
RCMA HOLIDAY CARD SALES TOP 2006 TOTALS
Sales of holiday cards to benefit the Redlands Christian Migrant Association have been brisk, with a preliminary count showing that about 4,600 more cards have been sold this year than in 2006. Two new features this season have been online ordering and photo cards, helping to send sales well over the final $28,000 in 2006. Sales of exclusive cards – one-time designs – are up almost 3,500 over last year.
FFVA HOLIDAY SCHEDULE AND 2008 CALENDAR
FFVA’s offices will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 in observance of Christmas. The staff wishes you and your family a joyous and safe holiday season.
