Specialty crop producers in the United States are making their voices heard in Washington D.C. as they testify before hearings for the produce industry. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) members have been actively participating in discussions regarding the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, a crucial piece of legislation that supports and shapes the specialty crop sector every five years.
The June 7 hearing, titled “How the Farm Bill Works for Specialty Crop Producers,” took place before the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research. The IFPA, along with like-minded allies, is advocating for policies that promote the competitiveness of specialty crops while ensuring the provision of nutritious, safe, and delicious products to American families.
Rebeckah Adcock, the IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, emphasized the significance of the Farm Bill as an investment in the produce and floral industries. She expressed the importance of IFPA members’ first-hand experience in advocating for policies that work and identifying those that do not. Their testimony before Members of Congress is vital as they head into Farm Bill negotiations.
During the hearing, Charles Wingard, the Vice President of Field Operations at Walter P. Rawl & Co., testified on behalf of the IFPA and the produce industry. Wingard also expressed support for the work and recommendations of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. His testimony highlighted several key priorities crucial to the success and growth of the specialty crops sector, including crop insurance, conservation, climate, nutrition, research, Specialty Crop Block Grants, organics, and trade.
One topic that Wingard addressed was the adverse impact of current federal policies and programs on specialty crop producers. He highlighted the issue of Agricultural Gross Income (AGI) limitations, which disproportionately hinder specialty crop producers from participating meaningfully in certain USDA programs. These limitations also have the potential to impede their participation in disaster programs. Wingard advocated for means tests for program participation to be based on income derived from farming and to consider the unique structures, accounting methods, and other special considerations of specialty crop producers rather than solely focusing on AGI. The concern over AGI limitations has been particularly significant following the atmospheric river events in California earlier this year, which had a detrimental impact on specialty crop producers in the region.
Wingard further emphasized the importance of supporting the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). He highlighted that the SCRI addresses critical needs in the industry by providing grants for research and extension programs that tackle challenges on a national, regional, and multi-state level. These projects support various production systems, including conventional, contained environment, and organic methods. Wingard mentioned several institutions currently benefiting from SCRI funds, such as Clemson University, Penn State, Michigan State, Cornell, and the University of Georgia.
Another issue brought to the forefront by Wingard was the intersection between the Farm Bill and the realities of crop production. He drew attention to a recent announcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which revoked the registration of the herbicide DCPA without providing alternative solutions for growers like himself. Wingard urged policymakers to establish mechanisms that expedite the research and approval of crop protection tools. He emphasized the significance of USDA’s Office of Pesticide Management Policy and the IR4 Project as voices for specialty crop producers in collaboration with the EPA, calling for their mission to be elevated and their funding to be secure and robust.
The testimony provided by Charles Wingard and other IFPA members sheds light on the challenges and priorities within the specialty crop industry. Their efforts to engage policymakers and advocate for favorable policies demonstrate the dedication and commitment of the produce industry to address the unique needs of specialty crop producers. As discussions surrounding the reauthorization of the Farm Bill progress, it is essential to consider the concerns and recommendations presented by these industry representatives to ensure the continued growth and success of the specialty crops sector in the United States.
Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash
