10/06/06  Specialty crop bills endorsed

10/06/06 Specialty crop bills endorsed

Farm and Ranch October 6, 2006 Talk of making the next Farm Bill more inclusive has turned to action with bills being introduced in Congress that address the issues of the specialty crop industry. One of those pieces of legislation is the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America, or EAT Healthy America bill, introduced by House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo of California. It has 49 co-sponsors including Washington Representatives Rick Larsen, Doc Hastings and Cathy McMorris-Rodgers. Chris Voigt Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission says the Commission is part of the United Fresh Coalition which is supporting Pombo's bill. Voigt: "What it essentially does Bob, it provides more money for specialty crops in the way of research. It strengthens our borders so we are not importing any invasive pests. It also creates more money to help with phytosanitary issues in some of our overseas markets. It also increases nutrition. Gets more fruits and vegetables in front of school kids. Getting them eating healthier." The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, which includes the National Potato Council, has also endorsed the EAT Healthy America bill. Representative Ron Kind of Wisconsin has introduced the Healthy Farms, Foods and Fuels Act of 2006. Congressman Adam Smith is the only member of the Washington delegation supporting it. The bottom line; Voigt says the momentum is building for giving specialty crops a more prominent place in the Farm Bill. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network. .
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