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For Immediate Release
Contact: Robert Guenther 202-303-3400
SPECIALTY CROP FARM BILL ALLIANCE SUPPORTS BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO ENHANCE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE SPECIALTY CROP INDUSTRY
A Critical Step to Achieving a More Equitable Farm Bill Package
Washington, D.C., September 27th -Today, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 75 specialty crop grower organizations, endorsed the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (EAT Healthy America Act), introduced by U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo (R-CA), Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Rep. John Salazar (D-CO), and Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) and includes numerous co-sponsors. According to USDA data, specialty crops represent more than $50 billion in farm-gate value and account for more than 45 percent of farm-gate crop receipts.
“This bill is a comprehensive farm bill package providing the necessary framework to enhance the competitiveness of the specialty crop industry,” states Tom Nassif, president of Western Growers. Nassif praises the bill sponsors for “recognizing the unique needs of the specialty crop industry and for providing support for growers who face fierce global competition, high levels of regulation, inadequate research, and a shortage of resources to control invasive pests.”
“The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance applauds this visionary step taken by the authors of this bill which will address the needs of the specialty crop industry in a comprehensive way. As the debate on the 2007 Farm Bill takes shape we will work with the Agriculture Committees and the other members of Congress to ensure that the components of this legislation become a part of U.S. farm policy,” states Mike Stuart, president of Florida Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association.
“Specialty crops face significant challenges. While it is clear that specialty crop producers do not favor a direct payment program for themselves, it is equally clear that they expect their needs to receive the same attention as those of producers that have been the focus of previous farm programs. By establishing farm bill programs that address the priorities of both specialty crops and program crops our farm policy will be more equitable for all of agriculture,” stated John Keeling, executive director and CEO of the National Potato Council.
More information about the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, including a list of supporting organizations and Farm Bill principles, is available at www.competitiveagriculture.org.
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