Feburary 15, 2008
Honorable Saxby Chambliss, Ranking Member
Senate Agriculture Committee
328-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Chambliss:
Re: Title IV of Farm Bill - Purchases of Locally Grown Fruits and Vegetables
As you work to harmonize the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) respectfully urges you to bear in mind the growing link between agricultural producers and Farm Bill nutrition programs aimed at ensuring healthy, nutritious foods for our school children and those who are food insecure. These nutrition programs are important to our citizens, as they provide the safety net to ensure that good nutrition does not depend upon one’s socio-economic status, but is available to all. These programs are just as important to our nation’s agricultural producers, since they can provide new markets for products such as fresh fruits and vegetables and can foster a better understanding between those who grow and raise our food and those who consume it.
This goal is best achieved when the connection occurs between nutrition program recipients and those who farm close to them. This approach also will reduce the distance food must travel, or “food miles,” which helps shrink both our overall carbon footprint and the transportation costs associated with implementing these programs.
It is vitally important that these programs be run with the highest levels of efficiency and accountability, while also adhering to nutritional standards. By providing for direct purchases from local agricultural producers, those administering the programs will enhance both efficiency and accountability while helping to sustain local agricultural operations.
Accordingly, NASDA respectfully requests that you retain language that reflects a commitment to allowing institutions to purchase fruits, vegetables, and other foods directly from local agricultural producers. Thank you very much for your time and consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Roger Johnson
NASDA President
Commissioner, North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Cc: House and Senate Members of the Farm Bill Conference Committee