US: United Fresh produce report show impact of produce on health and economy

The fresh fruit and vegetable industry has a profound effect on all 50 states, according to updated state profiles recently released by United Fresh and provided to Congress at the recent Washington Public Policy Conference. The data in the series reveals that all 50 states grow and sell fresh produce, and the profiles also include acreage, farms, employment and production value for each state. “The state profiles highlight the impact that the fresh produce industry has on the health and economy of every state in the country,” said Robert Guenther, United Fresh senior vice president of public policy. “Last week, Washington Public Policy Conference attendees delivered this data to their senators and representatives to drive home the importance of passing a Farm Bill, and we encourage members to refer to these profiles in their advocacy efforts.”

The profiles examine each state’s share of the Farm Bill Specialty Crop Block Grants, WIC program funding and funding allotment for the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, showcasing projects and success stories for each. The state profiles also detail the impact of adult and childhood obesity and diabetes in each state, as well as the number of participants in federal feeding programs such as the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.

Source: www.farmanddairy.com