BY ROBERT GUENTHER
The U.S. House recently passed a Farm Bill that for the first time recognizes the needs and priorities of specialty crop producers. Specialty crops account for nearly half of all the cash crop receipts in America. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, is hoping that Congress will enact federal farm policy that focuses on increased competition while providing a safer, healthier and nutritious food supply for all Americans.
Over the last two years, our coalition has outlined a series of priorities that results in more balance and equity into the Farm Bill. One of our top priorities is a focus on improving nutrition for all Americans, especially our children. We've all read stories and seen reports that indicate obesity among adults and children is soaring. I have even read reports where some have said it's at an epidemic level.
One of the ways that we can turn the tide against obesity is expanding the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Snack program to all 50 states. This program helps establish a routine for children in developing lifelong health habits through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Without a doubt, if congressional leaders are serious about implementing policies that focus on more nutrition, they will dedicate the resources to expand this program to schools all across America.
We have also outlined other priorities that must be expanded upon in the current Farm Bill. We support enhancing critical trade assistance and market promotion tools that will grow international markets for specialty crop producers. This tool will inject more competition into the current Farm Bill debate.
Additional investment in the prevention and mitigation protocols to combat invasive pest and diseases is a critical need for specialty crop producers. Pests and diseases cost the economy millions of dollars due to the destruction of crops each and every year. We also support greater investment in research to improve the safety, taste and quality of foods.
Finally, specialty crops are unique to certain regions of the country. We believe a critical component of the Farm Bill is the expansion of the state specialty crop competitiveness projects that have a proven track record of delivering positive results for specific local needs. The "Ohio Grown" campaign partnered with 20 grocery chains totaling approximately 250 stores in efforts to promote home-grown specialty crops. In addition, the Ohio Department of Agriculture brokered an agreement with the largest fresh fruit and vegetable trade show in the world allowing individual growers to exhibit allowing them to expand their business and retail abilities
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has outlined a series of priorities that will inject more competition into the marketplace while ensuring a food supply that is safer, healthier and more nutritious for all Americans. In the coming weeks, the U.S. Senate will vote on a Farm Bill. We encourage them to support legislation that is more balanced, equitable and enhances the investment made in the House version.
Robert Guenther is senior vice president for public policy with the United Fresh Produce Association. He also is secretary of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations.