Specialty Crops − A Significant Sector of American Agriculture
Overall, specialty crops account for approximately fifty percent of domestic farmgate crop value, but receive relatively little consideration in current farm bill programs. Specialty crops face significant challenges, ranging from pests and diseases to ever-increasing competition from foreign producers. Farm bill programs should address the priorities of specialty crops in more a equitable fashion relative to “program crops,” reflecting a more accurate balance of U.S. agriculture.
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns, in comments at the Agricultural Forum in February (2006), said:
“The value of specialty crops is now equal to the value of program crops. And they've continued to grow over the last couple of decades."
Federal agricultural policies should take into account the high value that specialty crops have in U.S. agriculture. Moreover, Congress can provide leadership to develop a farm bill that affords a greater sense of balance between specialty crops and traditional program crops.
Secretary Johanns also said at the Ag Forum:
“Ninety-two percent of commodity program payments go to five crops. When combined they represent a quarter of U.S. production value.”
Meeting Challenges and Enhancing Competitiveness
The specialty crop industry is united in its advocacy of federal policies that enhance specialty crop production and, thereby, address overall agricultural competitiveness. At a time when our nation has an agricultural trade deficit, the growth of specialty crops can offer relief. Specialty crop producers are united like never before to advocate programs in a variety of areas – such as research, conservation and marketing assistance – that can improve our competitiveness in a global marketplace.
Programs for a Healthier America
Farm Bill programs can help consumers reach USDA’s new dietary guidance and foster a healthier America, a priority that is especially important for low income Americans. Specialty crops play an increasingly important role in the federal government’s dietary guidelines for Americans – in the case of fruits and vegetables calling for a doubling of daily consumption. Yet, the great majority of consumers don’t meet those goals, and that’s particularly true for lower income Americans. Farm bill programs – in areas such as marketing, research and nutrition – can help address this dietary gap while at the same time fighting obesity, diabetes, heat disease and other national health priorities.
No Direct Payments to Specialty Crop Producers
None of our recommendations contain direct payments, such as price or income supports. Specialty crop producers do not want them – they would distort the specialty crops market, can have trade implications and foster inefficiency. Instead, we ask Congress to thoughtfully consider our recommendations for making the specialty crop industry more competitive and our products more accessible for consumers here and around the world.
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