United Member alert

Here is the United Fresh Produce Association member alert concerning passage of the farm bill.


House of Representatives Passes Historic Farm Bill for Fruits and Vegetables
The U.S. House of Representatives has just passed its 2007 Farm Bill, containing an unprecedented $2 billion in mandatory funding and major policy priorities for the fruit and vegetable industry. "This is an historic day for the fruit and vegetable industry, and one we've worked toward for many years," said United Fresh Chairman Emanuel Lazopoulos. "We didn't ask for subsidies; we asked for investment in research, technical assistance and grants to improve industry competitiveness, and major new programs to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to school children across the country. As member after member of Congress stepped to the podium over the past 24 hours to support these goals, we knew that a new day had arrived that would help grow our entire produce industry for many years to come," he said.
The House-passed Farm Bill will significantly expand the USDA Fruit and Vegetable School Snack Program, expand state block grants to increase industry competitiveness, purchase more fruits and vegetables for school lunch, expand the DOD Fresh Program for schools, provide technical assistance to address international market access issues, invest in specialty crop research including produce food safety, enhance programs to prevent invasive plant pests and disease, and target funding to address conservation priorities.
"We're proud of the effort and support by many Congressional leaders that has brought us this far," said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. "The investments in this Farm Bill will help growers, shippers, processors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants deliver the highest quality, safest and most affordable fresh produce to consumers in the United States and around the world. But, the battle is not over. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) plans to begin consideration of its Farm Bill in September, the same week as United Fresh's Washington Public Policy Conference. "Our work is cut out for us to shape the Senate bill and drive home a final law signed by President Bush. Every member of our industry that wants to grow fresh produce sales and consumption, and investment in key industry priorities, should come to Washington September 12-14 to make your voices heard," he said.


TK: As I've said before, the WPPC should be a celebration this September. It will also be good timing with the start of Senate Ag Committee consideration of their farm bill provisions. Congratulations to United and other industry lobbyists in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance for bringing a produce friendly farm bill halfway home.