July 27, 2007
Bronson And Agriculture Industry Officials
Laud Vote On
Historic Farm Bill
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson and state agriculture industry leaders are praising Florida’s congressional delegation for their hard work on the 2007 Farm Bill, which they say will benefit Florida’s agriculture industry and consumers alike.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007, referred to as the Farm Bill, after several days of debate. Bronson says the bill includes provisions that will help ensure Florida agriculture has the tools it needs to remain a vibrant contributor to the state’s economy and provides school children with healthy, nutritious fruits and vegetables. The bill will be taken up by the U.S. Senate in September.
“Congress has recognized the importance to our economy of specialty crops, which make up 50 percent of all cash receipts,” Bronson said. “Given that Florida is the second-largest producer of specialty crops in the country, clearly we are extremely pleased with the results.”
Representatives of Florida’s agriculture industry joined Bronson in expressing support for the bill.
“We’re very pleased that the House of Representative has recognized the importance of specialty crops and have designated $1.7 billion in mandatory funding for important nutrition and other programs that will benefit not only our producers, but the health and well-being of Americans,” said Mike Stuart, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.
Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual said: “Florida citrus growers salute the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the 2007 Farm Bill. The funding boost this Farm Bill will give citrus greening research programs offers hope that we can unearth a scientific solution to the insidious disease which is threatening the very foundation of our $9 billion industry. Research is already in the pipeline and it is essential that it continues unabated. We will continue to work hard in the coming months to ensure the U.S. Senate passes a similar version of this bill.”
Said John Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau: “This is a great day for Florida agriculture. Never before has a farm bill been as beneficial to our state. Not only does the House passed farm bill maintain a safety net for program crops but includes an unprecedented amount of support for fruit, vegetable and specialty crop production. I am pleased the bill also strengthens our commitment to conservation programs and encourages renewable energy initiatives.”
Ben Bolusky, executive vice president of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) also praised the bill saying, “We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for its passage of the Farm Bill. It gives long-overdue recognition to the major economic role played by nursery and other leading specialty crops in American agriculture. What is most meaningful to Florida’s nursery industry is the Farm Bill’s landmark and welcome emphasis on specialty crop research, pests and diseases, risk management and conservation. FNGLA looks forward to working with the U.S. Senate to ensure the very best Farm Bill for Florida’s specialty-crop industries.”
Dalton Yancey, executive vice president of the Florida Sugar Cane League remarked: “Florida’s citizens will benefit from the passage of this Farm Bill which creates billions of dollars of economic impact to the State from the sale of agricultural products. Agriculture is an important contributor to Florida's economy. Now, on to the Senate for the completion of a good bill.”
Unlike the 2002 Farm Bill, this bill for the first time provides substantial funding for the fruit and vegetable industry. These specialty crops make up a significant portion of Florida’s agriculture industry. The bill provides $1.6 billion for specialty crops compared with $200 million allocated in the 2002 Farm Bill, not in the form of subsidies but for research, marketing and pest management. This includes funding for research to develop more resilient crops and combat pests and diseases which constantly threaten Florida farmers. The bill also helps U.S. farmers compete more effectively in the global marketplace.
“Florida knows all too well the costs associated with a devastating agricultural pest or disease,” Bronson said, “From Medfly to citrus canker, our experience showed us that there were statutory roadblocks that prevented federal and state agencies from effectively reducing pest and disease threats. That includes surveying for pests and diseases to catch outbreaks early and quickly accessing federal funds to deal with outbreaks when they do occur. This bill removes those roadblocks and creates a system to more efficiently protect agriculture.”
The Farm Bill also expands the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program, which provides a variety of fresh produce for schools and increases purchasing of fruits and vegetables for all federal nutrition programs. It expands popular conservation and environmental protection programs including the nation’s forest resources. The bill also makes new investments in renewable energy research, development and production in rural America.
For more information:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
Leslie Palmer
(850) 488-3022
palmerl@doacs.state.fl.us
