Specialty crop growers are happy with the farm bill passed by the Senate Ag Committee Thursday. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is commending the committee for including several programs for fresh fruit and vegetable growers.
The proposals of greatest benefit to the fresh produce industry included in the legislation with a five-year authorization are:
Specialty Crop Block Grants funded at $70 million per year
Specialty Crop Research Initiative funded at $25 million in FY13; $30 million in FY14-15; $65 million in FY16; $50 million in FY17
Plant Pest and Disease Program funded at $60 million in FY13-16 and $65 million in FY17
Market Access Program and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops fully funded at 2008 Farm Bill levels
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program fully funded at 2008 Farm Bill levels
Hunger-Free Communities Grant Program for fruit and vegetable SNAP incentives
Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program
Section 32 specialty crop purchases funded at 2008 Farm Bill levels
DoD Fresh program fully funded at $50 million per year consistent with 2008 levels
John Keeling, National Potato Council EVP says he is pleased the Senate Committee “recognized that continued investments in specialty crops promote healthier lives and healthier local economies.”
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