House Members Introduce Bipartisan Bill Promoting Specialty Crops

News Date April 02, 2007

Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), Rep. Adam Putman (R-Fla.), Rep. John Salazar (D-Colo.), Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.), and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) introduced the "Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act" (EAT Healthy America Act) on March 20. The bill number is H.R. 1600 and as of last week has 78 cosponsors.
 
"This bill would support specialty crop growers by increasing market access, encouraging and facilitating consumption of nutritious agricultural products, funding research programs and increasing opportunities for family farmers in conservation programs. The passage of the EAT Healthy America Act would represent a huge step forward for federal farm programs," said Cardoza. Specialty crops are an important part of local economies in all 50 states, and it is imperative that they are recognized for their vital contributions by ensuring that specialty crop growers have an important role in the future of American agriculture. 

"As a significant contributor to U.S. farm receipts and balance of trade, it is extremely important that the issues affecting fruit, vegetable and nursery crops play a meaningful role in the Farm Bill process," said Putnam. "The Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act elevates the federal government's investment in key programs including pest and disease, nutrition, conservation, trade, research, as well as other challenges facing this important farm sector." 

The bill includes $500 million for the specialty crops block grant program for each of the fiscal years 2008 through 2012. The full text of the news release is located at http://www.house.gov/list/press/ca18_cardoza/eatbill.html. (Contact: Jennifer Yezak)