The California Table Grape Commission says incoming president Ian LeMay recently provided recommendations to the USDA on how the agency can maintain and enhance competitiveness in the marketplace, expand exports, support research initiatives, encourage the adoption of new technologies and extend food purchases to those in need.
LeMay’s remarks to the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture encourage the inclusion of the needs and priorities of the table grape industry in the state as the department communicates with the USDA, according to a news release.
“Competitiveness has long been a commission priority,” LeMay said in the release. “We hope that the state board sees value in the recommendations and includes them in its feedback to USDA.”
A copy of the testimony is available online.
The commission said highlights of LeMay’s comments include:
- A recommendation to establish a domestic promotion program modeled after the successful Market Access Program. The new program would allow grower organizations to apply for and match funds to promote in the U.S., which LeMay said is the biggest market in the world. The commission also said it supports a doubling of MAP funding in the next farm bill to help expand exports.
- The commission’s recommendation for an increase in the annual financial commitment for purchasing fruits and vegetables to distribute to those who are food insecure. A pilot program that expands procurement to include fresh fruits and vegetables in international food aid programs is also recommended.
- The commission advocates support for legislation establishing a fund for mechanization research and developing a grant program to help growers adopt new technology. The commission also seeks additional funding for USDA table grape varietal research to help ensure that future varieties are resistant to pests, diseases and weather and are affordable to produce, stable to ship, and meet consumer expectations.
