FB reaction from SCFBA

Despite the questions that will linger into the first quarter and will only be answered after the House-Senate conference committee, there is reason for the industry to applaud Senate passage of the farm bill. Here is a news release that just slid across my inbox from the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance:



SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCERS APPLAUD SENATE PASSAGE OF THE FARM BILL WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations representing 350 individual specialty crops, has issued the following statement in connection with the passage of the Farm Bill by the U.S. Senate:"Today's action by the U.S. Senate represents another step in recognizing the importance of specialty crops in national farm policy. This Farm Bill includes important provisions designed to bolster the competitive standing of the industry in today's global marketplace. We strongly encourage Congressional leaders to move quickly to appoint a conference committee so differences between the versions of the Farm Bill can be worked out in a timely manner. In addition, we look forward to working with the Bush Administration in coming together and signing into law a Farm Bill that recognizes the needs and priorities of specialty crops."The SCFBA appreciates the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Reid and his leadership team, Chairman Harkin and Ranking Member Chambliss and Senators Stabenow, Conrad and Crapo for their advocacy on behalf of the nation's specialty crop producers.Priorities of Specialty Crop Producers
Expansion of the USDA Fruit & Vegetable Snack Program to all 50 states. The program and others involving healthy foods and community projects help develop life-long health through consumption of fruits and vegetables
Greater investment in research to improve the taste and quality of foods
Expansion of the "State Specialty Crop Competitiveness" projects which are focused on regional and local priorities for specialty crop producers. These projects have been successful with improving food safety, increasing the consumption of home grown specialty crops and supporting research aimed at combating pests and diseases.
Enhanced critical trade assistance and market promotion tools that will grow international markets for specialty crops
Investment in prevention and mitigation protocols to combat invasive pest and diseases, which cost the economy millions of dollars per year