Fruit and Nut Farmers in California to Benefit From New Farm Bill, McNerney Says
Press Release
FRUIT & NUT FARMERS IN CALIFORNIA TO BENEFIT FROM NEW FARM BILL, MCNERNEY SAYS
Farm bill makes important investment in San Joaquin specialty crops, renewable energy
Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-11) today supported a Farm bill that makes historic investments in specialty crops like the almonds, asparagus, and grapes grown in San Joaquin County, in conservation efforts like soil erosion and clean air and water, as well as in renewable energy programs.
The conference report on the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007, H.R. 2419, passed the House today by a veto-proof margin of 318-106.
"This Farm bill invests in California's priorities by ensuring that for the first time ever there are funds to support specialty crop research and expand specialty crop markets," said Rep. McNerney. "I'm proud of this bill and the impact it will make in San Joaquin County and throughout California."
"The bill implements needed reforms to commodity and other payment programs cutting direct farm payments as well as payments to crop insurers making windfall profits," Rep. McNerney continued. "I would like to have seen more reforms and an even greater reduction in payments to commodity farmers, but the measures included here represent a very important first step."
This Farm bill guarantees a historic $1.3 billion in funding for fruit and vegetable programs, which have traditionally been ignored by farm programs. For the first time, the bill will offer support for specialty crop growers' research, pest management, trade promotion and marketing assistance needs. The bill also provides an additional $1 billion for schools to provide fresh fruits and vegetables.
To encourage conservation efforts, the Farm bill boosts conservation programs that reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water and air quality, increase wildlife habitat and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters by $7.9 billion.
Nearly three-fourths of the Farm Bill, an additional $10.4 billion in new spending, goes to nutrition programs that help 38 million American families afford healthy food. The legislation updates the food stamp program to reflect the current state of our economy, as proposed by the Bush Administration.
Also, the Farm Bill invests $1 billion in renewable energy, focusing on moving beyond corn-based ethanol to the production and use of cellulosic biofuels.
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