Alliance: strong support for farm bill

From the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance:



SPECIALTY CROP FARM BILL ALLIANCE SECURES $1.7 BILLION IN HOUSE FARM BILL
‘Great Achievement for Specialty Crop Producers’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, announced that specialty crop producers are set to receive $1.7 billion over five years, due to the passage of the Farm Bill out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee. This is a great achievement for specialty crop producers. The first draft of the Farm Bill offered much less, $685 million over five years for specialty crop producers. This $1 billion increase in funding is a clear sign that House leaders have recognized the crucial role specialty crop producers play in the agricultural economy.
Over the last two years, this coalition has outlined the legislative priorities and needs for specialty crops that have been supported by more than 119 Members of Congress. The coalition credits the bipartisan support of their priorities coupled with the strong leadership of Congressman Dennis Cardoza, Chairman Collin Peterson and House leadership, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the positive consideration received by the House Agriculture Committee. The SCFBA will support passage of the bill (H.R. 2419) when it comes to a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives later this month.
A spokesman issued the following statement on behalf of the SCFBA:
"Specialty crop producers account for nearly half of all cash crop receipts in America. Throughout this debate, we have supported improving the competitive environment for all producers with a focus on producing a safer, healthier and more nutritious food supply. The passage of this Farm Bill in the House Agriculture Committee represents a great start and a strong investment by recognizing the priorities of specialty crop producers. We appreciate the leadership of Congressman Dennis Cardoza, Chairman Collin Peterson and Speaker Nancy Pelosi and their advocacy for our priorities. We look forward to enhancing the investment for specialty crop producers in the U.S. Senate."

The SCFBA is a geographically and commodity diverse group of more than 120 organizations. Specialty crop producers all across the nation will be able to provide consumers with a steady supply of domestically produced specialty crops through the programs established in H.R.2419 to expand the consumption of fruits and vegetables, expand specialty crop research, control of plant pests and support for grower initiatives to improve competitiveness.