The United Fresh Produce Association applauds the House and the Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee for approving a Farm Bill conference report, the final report to H.R. 2, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. This legislation will direct policy and funding resources for key agriculture programs in the Federal Government for the next five years.
According to United Fresh, for the produce industry, it represents a continued investment in key policy areas related to trade enhancement, access to healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, pest and disease prevention, targeted research, and block grant funding which targets important state and local priorities for fruits and vegetable industry throughout the country.
United Fresh is the secretariat of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, which has pushed for legislation and certain priorities since the reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
“United Fresh said it commends the House and the Senate Farm Bill Conference Committee for approving a Farm Bill conference report that includes the priorities of United Fresh and our members,” said Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at United Fresh. “We are proud to be part of the leadership team of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance which has focused its efforts over the last three Farm Bills to ensure that our critical segment of agriculture is a vital partner in developing farm and agriculture legislation for the United States.”
“The fresh produce industry has much at stake in this legislation and we are grateful for the recognition of the role our industry plays in providing nutritious foods for Americans and those around the world. We look forward to continuing to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure Congressional passage of this legislation so that it reaches the President’s desk before the conclusion of the 115th Congress,” said Guenther.
The House and Senate are expected to take up H.R. 2 this week and then send it to the President for his signature.
For more information:
Mary Coppola
United Fresh Produce Association
Tel: +1 (202) 303-3425
mcoppola@unitedfresh.org
www.unitedfresh.org