US Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns last week presented industry representatives with details of changes to the administration's 2007 farm bill, which provide an additional $5 billion to address issues such as nutrition and obesity.
"We listened when producers told us that farm policy should distribute support more equitably. Specialty crops are now nearly equal in market value to program crops, yet these producers receive no direct cash support," said Johanns.
"Specialty crop producers made it clear they don't want a cash subsidy, but they would like additional support to address market promotion, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, nutrition, and targeted research. Our proposals provide that support with nearly $5bn worth of additional funding targeted toward specialty crop growers."
The proposal includes an additional $2.75bn funds over ten years to specifically purchase fruits and vegetables for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
Some $500m has been allocated in mandatory funding for the purchase of additional fruits and vegetables for these programs, as part of an effort to help schools offer meals based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
USDA also plans to invest $1bn over ten years to establish a Specialty Crop Research Initiative to provide science-based tools that address needs of specific crops and regions and which continue advancements in productivity and technology.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
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