Specialty crop coalition backs proposed legislation addressing farm bill priorities

The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has endorsed legislation that it says addresses several key priorities in the 2023 farm bill.

The group, a national coalition of more than 200 specialty crop organizations representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products, has endorsed these bills, according to a news release:

• Growing Access to Environmental Sustainability Act: Expands specialty crop grower access to conservation programs. It was introduced by Reps. Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.; John Duarte, R-Calif.; Yadira Caraveo, D-Colo.; David Rouzer, R-N.C.; Jim Costa, D-Calif.; Chuck Edwards, R-N.C.; and Lori Michelle Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore.
• Specialty Crop Support Act of 2023: Extends and enhances the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. It was introduced by Reps. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore. 
• Protecting America’s Orchardists and Nursery Tree Growers Act: Expands the eligibility of tree, bush and vine growers for the Tree Assistance Program and modernizes the program. It was introduced by Reps. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.

The SCFBA was established to advocate for the unique needs of specialty crop growers in the farm bill and enhance their overall competitiveness in the face of increasing global competition and regulatory and buyer demands, the release said.

The group is led by co-chairs Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, with Robert Guenther, chief public policy officer for International Fresh Produce Association, who serves as secretariat for the alliance.

“Building on critical policy ideas introduced in several marker bills last month, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is pleased to see additional coalition recommendations take shape in the form of real legislative language,” the SCFBA co-chairs said in a joint statement. “We appreciate our champions in the U.S. House of Representatives for their responsiveness to the needs of growers as we collectively provide American consumers with a safe, abundant supply of healthy produce and other valuable specialty crops.”

Specialty crop production, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, nursery and greenhouse commodities, contributes significantly to the U.S. economy, accounting for $64.7 billion in farm gate value and 30% of farm cash receipts for crops. 

Related coverage: Farm bill priorities listed by Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance