Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Urges Congress to Pass Farm Bill

Passage of a five-year farm bill before current legislation lapses in September is critical and will help "enhance the competitive position of specialty crop growers across the country," the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance wrote in a letter to House and Senate ag committee leaders. Among the ag groups represented by the Alliance are the National Potato Council, Western Growers Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and United Fresh Produce Association.In its letter, the Alliance thanked members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees work on their respective farm bill versions, saying "these critical legislative endeavors build on the strategic funding and policy direction the Alliance has pursued in previous farm bills." The Alliance said both the House- and Senate-passed farm bill versions "will enhance the competitive position of specialty crop growers across the country." It noted both "include initiatives and programs related to market access and expansion, production research, combatting invasive pest and disease, increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts, promotional tools and infrastructure investment.