The Honorable
U.S.House of Representatives/United States Senate
Washington, DC 20515/20510
Dear Congressman/Senator:
We are writing in strong support of funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the final version of the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill (H.R. 2744). We fully support the House-passed level of $7 million, but ask that strong consideration be given to efforts made to increase that amount. The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act of 2004 (PL 108-465), enacted by Congress last year, authorized $44.5 million per year for this program
The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act is designed to provide U.S. specialty crop growers, who produce over 50% of the value of all agricultural crops grown in the U.S., with the tools needed to remain competitive in today’s global markets. In addition to being a very large contributor to our nation’s economy, the specialty crop industry also plays an important role in the overall U.S. agricultural trade picture.
As you know, it is critical for the U.S. to have a strong domestic specialty crop industry capable of producing a nutritious, yet affordable, food supply for our dietary and food security needs. In order to achieve this goal, we must invest in initiatives designed to enable our growers to remain competitive in global markets.
The block grant program authorized by the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act has proven to be successful in allocating funding for programs that enhance the competitive position of specialty crop growers in global markets. Given the many difficult challenges facing U.S. specialty crop growers today, it is imperative that a sufficient level of funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program be included in the FY 2006 federal budget. Providing funding for this key initiative is of the utmost importance to growers of specialty crops, and the rural communities they support, across the nation.
Again, we urge you to support the inclusion of a minimum of $7 million for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program in the FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
American Farmland Trust Project for Public Spaces, Inc.
American Mushroom Institute National Potato Council
American Nursery and Landscape Association Nursery Growers Association of California
California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers Society of American Florists
California Association of Winegrape Growers Texas Citrus Mutual
California Citrus Mutual Texas Produce Association
California Grape and Tree Fruit League Texas Vegetable Association
Florida Citrus Mutual United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association U.S. Apple Association
Florida Tomato Exchange Welch’s
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Western Growers
National Association of State Departments of Agriculture WineAmerica
National Grape Cooperative Association Wine Institute