An uncertain future

Sometimes the produce industry may feel it has to pinch itself with the consistent messages coming from Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. He has again and again, before audiences in the cotton belt and the fruit belt, talked about the need for a more inclusive farm bill. Produce industry lobbyists hope that will translate to active support for specialty crop priorities. This blog by Ken Cook reminds us that Secretary Ann Veneman was also an advocate of reform in the 2002 farm bill until she was undercut by the House Agriculture Committee and the White House.

Johanns has been an equal opportunity listener. He has gone beyond that to advocate reform and greater equity in the next farm bill. The third step - actually pulling it off - is what he will be measured by.