Cardoza reprise

I just finished transcribing an interview I did a couple of days ago with Rep. Dennis Cardoza. I may post it to the Google Discussion group later in the day, and of course, it will run on The Packer's opinion page this week.

A couple of notable things. He has told House Agriculture Committee chairman Peterson that the specialty crop industry needs more than what it has received so far, particularly in the area of specialty crop block grants. However, Cardoza believes if the farm bill denigrates to one sector raiding another sector for funds, no farm bill at all may be passed.

Cardoza remains firmly set against the Administration's plan to remove the fruit and vegetable planting restriction on flex acres. Taking it out, he said, could leave a $3-5 billion hole in the specialty crop industry that could not be filled in this farm bill.

The House Ag nutrition subcommittee markup is today. While not the full $300 million ask, the House subcommittee provided a hefty $100 million for the fruit and vegetable program - albeit in contingency funds.