Associations Speak Out After Farm Bill Passage
June 22, 2012 
In a two-day consideration of 70 amendments pared down from nearly 300, a 64-35 Senate vote approved the “Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012.” Known more commonly as the Farm Bill, the legislation includes $70 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grants, $25 million for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, $60 million for the Plant Pest and Disease Program, Market Access Program and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, the Hunger-Free Communities Grant Program, the Farmers Market and Local Food promotion Program, Section 32 specialty crop purchases, and the DoD Fresh program fully funded at $50 million per year.
Major associations within the industry have issued statements regarding the decision, with some of the highlights listed below:
Nancy Foster, president and CEO of USApple, said: “The Senate has made a statement that it continues to recognize the importance of specialty crops and remains committed to an equitable farm policy.”
Although USApple raised concerns that the bill will more than likely face challenges in the House of Representatives, they stand behind the progress thus far.
In addition, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) commended the attention to the needs of specialty crops shown by the parties involved. Recognizing Debbie Sabenow of Michigan, chair of the Senate’s Agriculture Committee and The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, for their work, the PMA stated that the bill’s inclusion of block grants to provide financial support of the plant and disease program known as “10201” will be paramount in aligning legislation to the needs of the industry.
Agricultural secretary Tom Vilsack stated appreciation for the bipartisan spirit shown in the Senate, and stated that he is, “grateful for the Senate’s progress toward providing a reformed safety net for producers in times of need, supporting agricultural research and trade promotion, honoring World Trade Organization commitments, furthering the bio-based economy, conserving our natural resources, strengthening local and regional food systems, and promoting job growth in rural America.”
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance’s John Keeling, National Potato Council executive vice president and CEO as well as co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance applauded the act as well, recognizing the hard work of Republican Leader McConnel, Chairwoman Stabenow, and Ranking Member Pat Roberts for getting the bill to the finish line.
Furthermore, Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and co-chair of the SCFBA, pointed out: “At a time when it’s critically important for Americans to be eating more fruits and vegetables, Senate passage of this bill is great news for consumers, besides preserving jobs, it helps to ensure access to a plentiful supply of healthful specialty crops. What’s more, this bill addresses some of the continual significant challenges specialty crop growers face in the production and marketing of their crops in an increasingly global marketplace.”
In addition, United Fresh, who helped spearhead the creation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, stated: “The bill maintains 2008 levels of funding for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, a victory for the more than 3 million school children who receive a fresh fruit or vegetable snack from the program each day.”
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