Press Releases - Larsen Works to Ensure Competitiveness of U.S.-Grown Specialty Crops

Larsen Works to Ensure Competitiveness of U.S.-Grown Specialty Crops

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced today the introduction of new legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to assist U.S.-grown specialty crops. The Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (H.R. 6193) would ensure an increased abundance and affordability in the supply of specialty crops for both national and international markets, and enhanced competitiveness for U.S.-grown specialty crops. Specialty crops - fruits, vegetables, nursery products and tree nuts - are a vital component of Washington state agriculture, accounting for nearly half of all agriculture production. Larsen is an original co-sponsor of the Act.

"Congress must increase the federal focus on making specialty crops more competitive. Specialty crops comprise fifty percent of our nation's agricultural production, but they only receive about 2% of all federal spending on agriculture," Larsen said.

He continued, "As the agriculture industry grows and changes, we must give farmers the tools they need to add value to their products and we must promote ways for our agriculture producers to benefit from increased export opportunities. This legislation is a critical step forward in increasing the supply and competitiveness of U.S. grown specialty crops. "

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http://www.house.gov/list/press/wa02_larsen/PR_092806_Specialty_Crops.html