Some of the leading players in the US fresh produce industry have reacted to the recent passing of the US Agricultural Act of 2014, or Farm Bill, which was signed by President Obama at a ceremony on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing in February.
The signing ended a three-year effort by several agricultural bodies to approve a new five-year bill, which includes an overall increase in investment of 55 per cent over 2008 Farm Bill funding levels on critical fresh produce industry initiatives and programmes.
US President Barack Obama:
'Investing in the communities that grow our food, helping hard-working Americans that put this food on our table – that's what this Farm Bill does, all while reducing our deficits through smart reforms.
“We’ve had the strongest stretch of farm exports in our history. We are selling more stuff to more people than ever before. What we grow here and what we sell is a huge boost to the entire economy, but particularly the rural economy.”
US Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack:
'Today's action will allow the proud men and women who feed millions around the world to invest confidently in the future. Our communities will have additional support to attract new economic opportunity and create jobs.
'During difficult times, children, working families, seniors and people with disabilities will have access to nutritious food. The potential of new products, treatments and discoveries will be strengthened through new agricultural research. Renewed conservation efforts will protect our fields, forests and waters creating new tourism options. This legislation is important to the entire nation.
'Building on the historic economic gains in rural America over the past five years, this bill will accomplish those goals while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for the taxpayer. While no legislation is perfect, this bill is a strong investment in American agriculture and supports the continued global leadership of our farmers and ranchers.'
United Fresh Produce Association president and CEO Tom Stenzel:
'The 2014 Farm Bill is nothing less than a solid win for fresh produce on several fronts, including research, market promotion, pest and disease programmes and nutrition initiatives.
'United appreciates the steady leadership of the Senate Agricultural Committee and the House Agriculture Committee in getting the Farm Bill passed, and our thanks also go to United Fresh members and other industry leaders who've walked the halls of congress, made phone calls, supported candidates and otherwise made their voices heard to their lawmakers.'
United Fresh Produce Association senior vice-president of public policy Robert Guenther:
'This Farm Bill makes landmark investments in the competitiveness of the produce industry and continues support for increasing access to fresh fruit and vegetables in our nation's schools.
'It is an honour to be here at the Bill's signing and to participate in this event to mark the importance of American agriculture and our industry.'
Produce Marketing Association CEO Bryan Silbermann:
“PMA commends Congress’ passage of the Farm Bill and applauds their attention to the needs of specialty crops throughout the Bill.
“The Farm Bill includes increased spending for state block grants to support specialty crops and the plant and disease programme known as “10201.” The bill also maintains nutrition programmes such as the snack programme and the US Department of Agriculture’s purchases of fruits and vegetables for school meals.
'Also included is the reauthorisation of the research programme designed to target research needed by specialty crops, even attempting to address concerns the coalition has raised to better align that research with industry needs.”
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