10/27/05 Specialty crop views heard at Forums

U.S.D.A. Secretary Mike Johanns made observations of how the upcoming Farm Bill could be shaped based on comments from participants at the nationwide Farm Bill Forums. One of those observations is that the fruit industry, specialty crops in general too, need greater support and representation within U.S. farm policy. Johanns says the current Farm Bill is weighted too heavily towards supports for production ag. JOHANNS: Andy in Illinois said, "The facts are, the 2002 Farm Bill placed restrictions on farmers who plant fruits and vegetables. The next Farm Bill should... allow farmers the flexibility they need to choose the crops they grow, specifically in planting fruits and vegetables... This change would correct the unforeseen problems that occurred in the 2002 Farm Bill that discouraged producers from diversifying their farming operations..." But what has impressed Johanns is what specialty crop producers are not asking for during Farm Bill Forums. JOHANNS: And yet, as I travel the country I have NOT been hearing those two-thirds of farmers - the fruit and vegetable growers, and others - ask for program support. Instead, they are looking to the future and asking for more focus on research and promotion, increased Sanitary and Phytosanitary enforcement, and access to new markets.