DelBene Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Support Specialty Crops

Press Release

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting specialty crops, highlighting the vital role they play in America's agricultural industry and calling for increased support of specialty crop programs.

"Whether it's red raspberries, blueberries, potatoes or any number of different fruits and vegetables grown by our local farmers, specialty crops play a critical part in Western Washington's economy. This resolution is an acknowledgement of the significant affect specialty crops play both in the local and national economy," DelBene said. "Serving as the Ranking Member on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research, I will continue to be a tireless advocate for specialty crop programs and other job-creating investments that ensure we have a vibrant local agricultural industry."

The resolution highlights the growing and increasingly significant role that specialty crops play in America's agricultural industry. It calls for increasing support for specialty crops and builds on the progress made by the 2014 Farm Bill through key priorities such as opening new markets abroad and funding research that helps improve crop yields and food safety.

Nationally, the annual value of specialty crops totals more than $60 billion, with about $14 billion in exports. Whatcom County leads the nation in red raspberry production and specialty crops account for more than $100 million of the roughly $326 million in agricultural sales there. In addition, agriculture is the leading industry in Skagit County and more than 90 different specialty crops are grown in the county alone. Washington's First District has more than 4,000 farms growing dozens of specialty crops which supply local farmers markets, restaurants and consumers with quality, fresh, locally grown food.

Reps. Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Dan Benishek (MI-01), Denny Heck (WA-10), Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Anne M. Kuster (NH-02), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Dave Reichert (WA-08), Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02) and John Garamendi (CA-03) are original cosponsors of the resolution.

"Whether grown for consumers here at home or exported to our trading partners in markets overseas, specialty crops are the backbone of Central Washington's agricultural economy," said Rep. Newhouse, who serves with DelBene on the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research. "I am committed to advocating on behalf of specialty crop growers across our country, and I thank Representative DelBene for reintroducing this bipartisan resolution to recognize the vital contribution they provide for our communities and our way of life."

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