Support for Specialty Crops Fruit and vegetable growers are asking Washington a simple question: "Where’s ours?" Declaring that $30 billion of annual farm-gate value is at risk, produce growers are working to convince lawmakers this specialized part of American agriculture is deserving of federal assistance. The challenges for produce growers are not unique: volatile markets, pests and diseases, subsidized foreign competition and increasing governmental regulation. But unlike their row crop-growing neighbors, produce farmers don’t have government financial supports to offset economic consequences of these challenges.
Most fruit and vegetable producers are not looking for traditional price or income support programs. Instead, they’re seeking enhanced conservation programs, nutrition education that would boost demand, fewer trade barriers and enhanced risk management tools. Keith Stimpert, OFBF vice president for government affairs, said Farm Bureau recognizes the importance specialty crops play in the mix of agriculture in this country. "The American Farm Bureau has created a task force to make recommendations on how national farm policy can best incorporate the produce industry. This task force will be looking for both short and long term solutions to the unique issues facing fruit and vegetable growers." Ohio is among 12 states participating on the task force. State Trustee Jeff Zellers of Hartville is OFBF’s representative.
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