Managers' statement: on improving the movement of specialty crops

More important than ever, the cost effective movement of specialty crops is addressed in the farm bill conference report. No mandatory funds, however:

(22) Grant program to improve the movement of specialty crops
The House bill: (1) authorizes the Secretary to make grants to State and local governments, grower cooperatives, and producer and shipper organizations to improve the cost-effective movement of specialty crops, (2) provides that the grant recipient must match the amount of funds received under this program, and (3) authorizes appropriations for necessary sums to carry out the section. (Section 10401) The Senate amendment is the same as the House bill, except Senate language amends title II of the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-465; 118 Stat. 3884), and clarifies that non-profit trucking associations and their research entities are eligible to receive grants. (Section 1842)
The Conference substitute adopts the House provision with an amendment to allow national, state, or regional organizations of producers, shippers or carriers to be eligible for grants under the program. (Section 10403)