Recently, Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Larry Craig (R-Idaho) introduced the Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007. The American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) is a member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) and has endorsed this bill as a proactive step for ensuring specialty crop policy priorities are included in the 2007 Farm Bill. The SCFBA, a national coalition of more than 90 specialty crop grower organizations, is dedicated to ensuring that the 2007 Farm Bill includes policy provisions that enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. specialty crop industry, according to ANLA.
Like the House bill (EAT Healthy America Act), the Specialty Crops Competition Act of 2007 is a comprehensive bill geared towards the specialty crop industry. It addresses many important issues and provides a vital pathway for the specialty crop industry to be competitive in an increasingly global marketplace. Some of the major issues addressed in the bill include the following:
Competitiveness. Increases access to valuable export markets by increasing the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program, the Market Access Program and the Block Grant Program and by raising the profile for specialty crops within USDA, USTR and other key federal agencies.
Research. Directs new investment in research priorities for specialty crops through the National Research Initiative, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service and Agriculture Research Service.
Invasive pests and diseases. Increases research funding, enhances current resources, and authorizes and expands programs to assist in the prevention, detection and eradication of invasive plant pests and disease.
