Things are looking good for California farmers as Congress puts the final touches to the 2007 farm bill. Lawmakers adopted a proposal to give specialty crop farmers a big boost. Sara Sciammacco has more from Capitol Hill.
Specialty crop producers grow fruits, vegetables and nuts. Historically they have gotten little help from the government. But this year they are on track to get $1.6 billion to pay for research, marketing to foreign countries and to improve air and water quality. Central Valley Democrat Dennis Cardoza, who is helping to write the farm bill, played a role in securing the money.
Cardoza: The investment we will make in specialty crops will strengthen this bill. It will bring broad and strong support and provide a new vision for agriculture in this country.
Unlike past years, this farm bill proposal makes the funding mandatory. Rayne Thompson of the California Farm Bureau says the support will make fresh healthy food more accessible to consumers.
Thompson: If we can kind of raise the bar for nutrition in general and nutritional promotion for a variety of commodities, then yes, you have a better opportunity for healthier eating habits.
Some money will also go toward programs to better protect crops from pest and disease. The proposal still needs the support of the House and Senate.
From Washington, I'm Sara Sciammacco for KPBS Radio.
