USApple applauds senate for passing Farm Bill

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) praises the Senate for passing "The Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012" today in a 64 - 35 vote. Known as the Farm Bill, the legislation includes key apple industry priorities such as research, pest and disease mitigation, trade, nutrition, and other programs that enhance the ability of producers to be competitive and meet the needs of American consumers.

"The Senate has made a statement that it continues to recognize the importance of specialty crops and remains committed to an equitable farm policy," said Nancy Foster, president & CEO of USApple. "The U.S. apple industry is pleased to see a truly comprehensive and competitive Farm Bill pass the Senate."

The legislation builds on the success of the 2008 Farm Bill by maintaining funding for our priority programs including the following:

Specialty Crop Block Grants – With their focus on regional and local priorities for specialty crop producers, these can be used for improving food safety, investing in infrastructure, enhancing market opportunities and supporting research aimed at specific industry needs.

Specialty Crop Research Initiative – The SCRI provides science-based tools that address the needs of specific crops and regions and which continue advancements in productivity and technology.

Plant Pest and Disease Program – Investment in early discovery and eradication to combat invasive plant pests and diseases, which cost our economy millions of dollars per year and threaten the future of many fruit and vegetable commodities.

Market Access Program (MAP) and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) - These programs provide critical trade assistance and market promotion tools which grow international markets for specialty crops.

USDA purchases of fruits and vegetables – These domestic nutrition assistance programs strengthen the commitment to improving nutrition and reducing childhood obesity by providing fruits and vegetables for use in schools.

USApple would also like to commend Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) for their dedication to specialty crop programs and leadership in this tough fiscal environment.

"The guidance and commitment shown by Senators Stabenow and Roberts has been invaluable to the Farm Bill’s passage," added Foster.

Earlier this week, the Senate soundly defeated, by a vote of 30 – 69, an amendment to the bill to reduce funding for the Market Access Program by 20 percent. MAP is an important program for U.S. apple growers and the entire apple industry as it promotes apple exports, which comprise over one quarter of annual U.S. fresh apple production.

The Senate voted to adopt a number of amendments that impact the federal crop insurance program, including a 15 percent reduction in subsidies for growers who have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $750,000 or more. USApple and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, of which USApple is a founding member, opposed these amendments as they will likely cause a reduction in crop insurance participation which in turn will drive premiums up. As the legislation moves forward, USApple will work to restore full funding to the crop insurance program.

The bill goes next to the House of Representatives, where it will likely face a more difficult challenge among conservative Republicans. The House Agriculture Committee has said they will vote on the Farm Bill in early July and it's uncertain when the full House will vote.

For more information:
Mark Gedris
USApple
Tel: +1 800- 781-4443
Fax: +1 703-790-0845
[email protected]