The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), a national coalition representing over 200 specialty crop organizations, has officially endorsed two crucial pieces of legislation for consideration during the 2023 Farm Bill discussions.
The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act addresses the adjusted gross income limitations that prohibit farmers from participating in USDA disaster relief programs. Introduced by Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Kat Cammack (FL-03), and sponsored by Reps. Austin Scott (GA-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), John Duarte (CA-13), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Chuck Edwards (NC-11), the bill’s goal is to get full-time farmers back to business quickly after a natural disaster by ensuring basic safety nets.
The Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Development Program establishes a committee that consults with the USDA annually, as well as provides $20 million annually over the five-year farm bill. Sponsored by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Max Miller (OH-7), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-7), the bill also prioritizes projects that train employees who are impacted by technological advances.
These bills aim to address the unique needs of the specialty crops sector and enhance its competitiveness in the face of increasing imports and global pressures on American exports. By ensuring the competitiveness of specialty crops in both domestic and global markets, these bills contribute to the sustained growth and success of the sector.
Specialty crop production generated $64.7 billion in farm gate value and accounts for 30% of farm cash receipts for crops. The endorsement of legislation by the SCFBA aims to fortify the sector’s position by addressing its specific needs, promoting competitiveness, and supporting the industry’s continued contributions to the nation’s economy.
Established to advocate for inclusive farm bill policies, the SCFBA focuses on addressing the specific requirements of the specialty crops sector, which includes growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants, and other products.
The SCFBA is led by Co-Chairs Mike Joyner, president, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO, Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council, along with Robert Guenther, chief public policy officer, International Fresh Produce Association, who serves as secretariat for the Alliance.
