Larsen: NW WA Growers on Track for Huge Win with Farm Bill

Press Release

Larsen: NW WA Growers on Track for Huge Win with Farm Bill

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) applauded the news that the House Agriculture Committee has passed a farm bill (HR 2419) providing $1.6 billion in mandatory funding for specialty crops, an unprecedented investment in fruit and vegetable growers that would benefit farms across Northwest Washington. A vote on the House floor is expected before the August recess.

"The 2007 Farm Bill passed by the Ag Committee is a huge step in the right direction for Washington's specialty crop producers," said Larsen. "This bill makes an unprecedented investment in specialty crops. Through increased research, trade promotion, pest and disease prevention and other critical investments, Washington fruit and vegetable growers would be better equipped to compete with farms down the road and around the world."

Washington's specialty crops include potatoes, raspberries and nursery products. Washington is the third-largest producer of specialty crops in the country. Specialty crops make up almost fifty percent of total cash receipts in Washington state and nationally.

In March, Larsen introduced the EAT (Equitable Agriculture Today) for a Healthy America Act with a bipartisan group of his colleagues. The bill aimed to support specialty crop growers by increasing market access, encouraging and facilitating consumption of nutritious agricultural products, expanding funding for research programs and increasing opportunities for family farmers in conservation programs. It was intended as a "marker" to be included in 2007 the farm bill.

"I'm thrilled that the farm bill includes many important provisions from the EAT Healthy America Act to help Washington fruit and vegetable growers stay competitive," Larsen continued.

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