Specialty crop alliance endorses proposed Farm Bill legislation

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations, has endorsed two pieces of legislation to be considered during the 2023 Farm Bill discussions.

The alliance, which represents growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, is led by co-chairs Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.

The endorsed legislation:

• Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act, introduced by U.S. Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Kat Cammack and sponsored by U.S. Representatives Austin Scott, Zoe Lofgren, John Duarte, Nick Langworthy and Chuck Edwards.
• Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Doug LaMalfa, Salud Carbajal, Max Miller and Abigail Spanberger.

“The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance appreciates the work by members of the U.S. House of Representatives for supporting and prioritizing specialty crops as discussions continue surrounding the 2023 Farm Bill,” the SCFBA co‐chairs said in a statement. “Both of these bills align with the alliance’s recommendations released earlier this year and support a stronger future for the industry, helping to ensure its competitiveness in the domestic and global marketplace.”

Specialty crop production contributes significantly to the U.S economy, accounting for $64.7 billion in farm gate value and 30% of farm cash receipts for crops, according to the statement.