Enzi, Nelson Working to Boost Chicory Crops

Enzi, Nelson Working to Boost Chicory Crops

U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., introduced legislation today that would allow farmers the freedom to produce chicory with the same financial incentives as some other producers.

S. 194 would amend the 2002 Farm Bill and allow chicory to be grown on direct and counter-cyclical program base acres. The Farm Bill as it currently stands prohibits all but three crops classified as fruits and vegetables to be grown in such a manner while still receiving federal support. The proposed bill would remove chicory from the prohibited list of fruits and vegetables. With the prohibition removed, there would be a potentially dramatic increase in chicory acres across Wyoming and Nebraska.

"This issue is important to farmers in Wyoming and Nebraska and I am glad to have an ally in this issue with Senator Nelson," said Enzi. "The law was not originally intended to prohibit growing chicory, but the wording is such that it has hampered chicory production and tied the hands of the Department of Agriculture. This bill would even out the kinks and allow producers to diversify their crop production. It makes sense to create an exemption for chicory similar to lentils and peas, since our growers use chicory for animal consumption."

"Nebraska and Wyoming farmers are open to pursuing crops, like chicory. These crops can create new revenue streams and help diversify agriculture production. We simply have to give farmers more options for diversifying agriculture if we expect them to survive," said Nelson. "This is a very simple and straightforward way to expand opportunity for farmers and ranchers to explore alternative crops and their potential."

Enzi and Nelson worked on allowing chicory production in the 108th Congress and are continuing their efforts in the 109th with this legislation.

Chicory is a root-crop similar to sugar beets. In Wyoming chicory is generally grown to be used as a pet-food additive.