With the clock ticking on economic stability for American growers, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and other industry organizations are calling on the Senate to capitalize on yesterday’s House passage of H.R. 7567, arguing that family farms cannot survive another year of legislative gridlock.
SCFBA issued a statement following the House passage that applauded the move and singled out congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson for his push to get a farm bill passed.
“The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance commends House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson for his leadership and perseverance, and we thank the House for advancing H.R. 7567, marking a pivotal step forward for American agriculture,” the statement reads. “This bill includes key bipartisan provisions that would strengthen the competitiveness of family farms producing specialty crops across the nation.
“As specialty crop producers face urgent and unprecedented economic pressures, enacting a comprehensive five-year farm bill is vital to their sustainability and to the communities they serve,” the statement continues. “We strongly urge the Senate to act swiftly so that a bipartisan farm bill can get through conference and to the president’s desk this year. American specialty crop growers cannot afford further delay.”
The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; 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.
USApple Urges Senate to Take Swift Action
USApple President and CEO Jim Bair says the House passage of the farm bill includes meaningful investments in specialty crops. He too is encouraged by the bill’s “more responsive framework for specialty crop assistance.”
“America’s apple growers thank Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership in advancing a new farm bill through the U.S. House of Representatives,” he says. “This is a critical step toward long-term certainty for growers.”
USApple is urging the Senate to act quickly so that a bipartisan farm bill can get to the president’s desk as soon as possible.
FFVA Applauds Legislation Advancement
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association was also among the organizations issuing a statement after the House passed the farm bill.
“The passage of HR 7567 marks a significant step forward for specialty crop growers and American agriculture,” says Mike Joyner, FFVA president. “We commend Chairman GT Thompson for his leadership in championing this farm bill and are grateful the House today advanced this legislation.
“Importantly, the bill works to address the unique needs of our growers, including provisions to establish a robust emergency assistance framework, strengthen crop insurance and drive advancements in research, mechanization and automation,” he continues. “These measures, and others, will collectively enhance Florida’s fruit and vegetable industry and help ensure growers remain viable despite the economic challenges they currently face.”
FFVA, too, calls for “swift action by the Senate” to ensure the legislation becomes law this year.
CFFA Commends House Passage of Farm Bill
The California Fresh Fruit Association has also officially lauded the House for passing H.R. 7567. CFFA President Casey Creamer highlighted that the legislation provides essential federal support for research, trade promotion and pest prevention, which are critical for growers facing rising production costs and global competition. Furthermore, the bill aligns with the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiatives to expand American access to nutritious food.
The CFFA is now focused on collaborating with Senate leadership to ensure the bill’s timely passage into law.
“California’s fresh fruit growers and shippers rely on strong federal support to remain competitive and sustainable,” says Creamer. “The passage of the farm bill ensures continued investment in programs that protect our commodities, expand market opportunities and strengthen the future of American agriculture. CFFA is proud to be a member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, which has played a vital role in advancing key priorities for our industry. We look forward to continuing our work with Senate leadership and remain hopeful that a final farm bill will be signed into law this year.”
CFFA says it remains committed to working with industry partners on behalf of its membership to ensure timely consideration and passage of the House’s farm bill in the Senate.
American Farmers Facing ‘Toughest Stretch in a Generation’
Following the House passage of the farm bill, Invest In Our Land Executive Director Rebecca Bartels is calling on the Senate to protect historic conservation investments and reject proposed cuts to essential programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, or EQIP.
While advocating for expanded initiatives like the Conservation Reserve Program, Bartels emphasizes that policy gains are hollow without addressing the 22% workforce loss at the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The statement underscores that adequate funding for field staff and engineers is critical to ensuring conservation contracts actually reach the farmers and ranchers navigating today’s volatile markets.
“From high input costs and volatile markets to increasingly destructive weather, American farmers and ranchers are navigating the toughest stretch in a generation,” she says. “Federal conservation programs are among the most effective tools they have to manage that pressure, which is why the historic, long-term conservation investment Congress made in 2022 must be protected and built upon. With today’s House action, the work shifts to the Senate, which has the opportunity to reject near-term EQIP cuts, expand the Conservation Reserve Program and codify the Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program.”
