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Agricultural industry

International Fresh Produce Association Calls for Strong Farm Bill Commitments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, urging Congress to prioritize strong farm bill commitments in specialty crops. The association's Dana Brennan emphasized that the specialty crop industry is under siege due to regulatory overreach, labor shortages, and outdated policies. Brennan called on Congress to address these challenges by expanding research and development in automation, mechanization, and pest management, as well as modernizing crop insurance and safety nets.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, calling for strong farm bill commitments in specialty crops.
  • IFPA's Dana Brennan emphasized that the specialty crop industry is under siege due to regulatory overreach, labor shortages, and outdated policies.
  • Brennan urged Congress to expand research and development in automation, mechanization, and pest management to address rising labor and production costs.
  • The specialty crop industry contributes billions annually to U.S. agricultural output and provides the healthiest foods available, essential to combating diet-related diseases and improving public health.
  • Despite representing hundreds of billions in farm-gate value, specialty crops received only 0.5 percent of farm bill funding in 2018.
  • The association called for modernizing crop insurance and safety nets, updating and streamlining specialty crop and organic programs, promoting produce consumption at home, and strengthening trade programs.

Statistics:

  • 0.5 percent: The percentage of farm bill funding allocated to specialty crops in 2018.
  • Billions: The annual contribution of specialty crops to U.S. agricultural output.
  • 1 in 10: The percentage of Americans who consume enough fruits and vegetables.
  • Hundreds of billions: The farm-gate value represented by the specialty crop industry.

Sources:

  • International Fresh Produce Association (no date mentioned)
  • "International Fresh Produce Association responsive to growing need for vital specialty crops" (by Dana Brennan, retrieved from Contify.com)

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