Farm Bill Troubles Specialty Crop Farmers

Specialty U.S. crop growers are concerned a new federal farm bill will hurt them because it lets subsidized commodity farmers grow specialty crops.

Why should we grow fruits and vegetables on land that’s not subsidized? Western Growers Association President Tom Nassif tells The Chicago Tribune.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture bill proposes lifting a produce-growing ban on farmers who received government subsidies for commodity crops wheat, corn, soybeans, rice and cotton. Specialty farmers grow fruits, vegetables and nuts from trees.

The USDA said it must lift the ban to make U.S. crops comply with World Trade Organization agreements.

Most specialty crop farmers do not want price supports or assistance similar to the aid program crop farmers receive, the Tribune reports.

They do not want government involvement in their pricing and planting decisions.

This is a highly entrepreneurial-based, competitive industry, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Stuart told the newspaper. The growers see direct payments as not productive. But they do see investment in research and nutrition programs as ways to keep the industry free from basic pests and disease.