Top priority

Thanks to all who have participated in the poll about what should be the top priority for specialty crop funding in the farm bill. From the results so far, about 82% think nutrition programs, particularly the fruit and vegetable snack program - should be the top priority. About 12% think that block grants to states should be the top priority and 6% believe funds for nutrition education and generic promotion of fruits and vegetables should be the top priority.

This poll has limited responses so far - I'll leave it up until Tuesday - but it does try to answer a question that Congress wants to know. What is the industry's top priority?

One Senate staffer told me at the Ag Outlook Forum that industry lobbyists have not indicated to members of Congress which program is the industry's top priority. From the results of Fresh Talk poll, the fruit and vegetable snack program gets the nod. We'll retabulate next week, so vote if you haven't yet.