F&V Advisory Committee - New gang

A Washington lobbyist said the latest incarnation of the USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee is reportedly set for release this week, Put a call into Jimmie Turner at AMS but he could divulge no details as of this time.

The same lobbyist wondered when Acting Secretary Chuck Conner will be named as the President's permanent appointment as Agriculture Secretary. So far Conner seems to be getting good marks from the industry. While there may be Southern lawmaker opposition based on his advocacy of stricter payment limits, Conner would seem to be a natural choice to finish out the Bush term.

There may be little love lost between the Environmental Working Group and some fresh produce industry lobbyists. The recent story in The New York Times about the farm bill process had a quote from the EWG''s Ken Cook, calling out fresh produce industry lobbyists for being a "cheap date." One industry lobbyist - not with United - said Cook's remark was out of line and EWG and specialty crop interests never had a locked up deal to work together. I put a call into Ken Cook to get his thoughts but he was out at the time.