Source: US HOUSE AG COMMITTEE, 3/9/17

Today, Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research, held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of the 2014 Farm Bill programs aimed at benefiting specialty crop production. Members heard from a panel of witnesses who highlighted the various programs available for specialty crops ranging from promotion programs and crop insurance to trade assistance and extension services. This hearing is a continuation in the series of hearings that set the stage for the next farm bill.

“The diversity of specialty crops makes the task of developing policy particularly challenging. These crops range from fruits and vegetables, to tree nuts, nursery crops, and floriculture each requiring different needs and attention. The 2014 Farm Bill put programs in place to address the greater need for flexibility to aid the specialty crop industry and provide more resources for research, disease response, and promotion and marketing. I am glad to hear the success these programs have had and look forward to working to improve them even more in the next farm bill,” said Subcommittee Chairman Davis.

“The specialty crop industry plays a critical role in the success of U.S. agriculture. While many overlook the significant investments we have made to support the specialty crop industry, the programs established in the 2014 Farm Bill have positively impacted our specialty crop producers. Our goal is to ensure that these tools remain available and work well for our nation’s specialty crop producers,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway.

Written testimony provided by the witnesses below.
Witness List:
Panel I
Mr. James Field, Frey Farms, Keenes, IL

Mr. Larry Black, Peace River Packing Company, Ft. Meade, FL

Mr. Sean Gilbert, Gilbert Orchards/ Sundquist Fruit, Yakima, WA

Mr. Jay Hill, Hill Farms/Wholesome Valley Farms, Mesilla Park, NM

Ms. Laura Davis, Long Life Farm, Hopkinton, MA


Opening Statement by Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research Ranking Member Michelle Lujan Grisham

The Next Farm Bill: Specialty Crops

--As Prepared for Delivery--

“Thank you Chairman Davis, and I add my welcome to each of our panelists for being here today. Your willingness to participate in today’s hearing is particularly appreciated given the nearly continuous cycle of planting and harvesting in the specialty crops sector. 

“I would also like to welcome our new Freshmen Democratic Members to this subcommittee: Al Lawson from Florida, Jimmy Panetta from California, and Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware. 

“My objective for this hearing is simple. As we begin formulating the next farm bill, I want to know what farm bill programs are working, what aren’t, and what we as Congress can do to improve your ability as producers to succeed, regardless of your crop or production practices. 

“As I read today’s testimony, I am struck by the extraordinary diversity of your businesses in both products, practices, and size. You grow at the level of tens of acres, hundreds of acres, and thousands of acres producing as wide variety of crops as apples, oranges, carrots, bell peppers, lettuce, grapes, and of course, New Mexican chile.

“I am further struck by the fact that you, as specialty crop producers, are on the front lines in delivering fresh, healthy, and wholesome food to America’s and the world’s tables.

“As a mother and a grandmother, I know how important it is to provide my children and granddaughter with nutritious foods. And as a 12th generation New Mexican, I know how difficult it can be for individuals living in rural areas and food deserts, especially Indian Country, to access fresh and healthy foods. 

“Our job in Congress is to assist and promote what you do as producers, and I look forward to working with the Chairman, as we write a new farm bill, to provide you with the tools so that you can invest in your businesses, research new technology to improve yields, improve pest resistance and plant health, and find new markets for your crops both domestically internationally. 

“I believe this will expand access to the abundant, healthy, and nutritious food contained within the specialty crop and organic sectors for more and more citizens. I look forward to our discussion this afternoon. With that, thank you again, and I yield back.”