Press Release - Kelly Co-Introduces Legislation to Help Specialty-Crop Farmers in Hudson Valley

Kelly Co-Introduces Legislation to Help Specialty-Crop Farmers in Hudson Valley
September 27, 2006

Congresswoman, Bipartisan Coalition of House Members Seek Increased Federal Assistance and Enhanced Competitiveness for U.S.-Grown Specialty Crops


WASHINGTON - U.S. Congresswoman Sue Kelly has co-introduced legislation in the House of Representatives to help specialty-crop farmers in the Hudson Valley and throughout the country sustain an affordable and abundant supply, overcome challenges during harvest, and increase their competitiveness in the world marketplace.

The EAT Healthy America Act (H.R. 6193), introduced by Kelly and a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers last night, makes federal disaster assistance programs more equitable to specialty-crop farmers, especially those with higher-cost operations. The USDA would provide flexible disaster assistance payments based upon the value of the crop.

The legislation also helps increase market access for specialty-crop farmers in the Hudson Valley. Furthermore, it better incorporates U.S.-grown specialty crops into school lunch and other U.S. nutrition programs; funds specialty-crop research initiatives; and increases opportunities for specialty-crop family farmers to gain federal assistance through farmland protection programs.

"Our federal agencies need to work harder and faster to develop new ways to get federal disaster aid to the farmers who need it in the Hudson Valley, and this bill helps do that," Kelly said. "Specialty-crop farmers in the Hudson Valley need and deserve the assistance of their federal government to overcome the many challenges they face, and to increase their competitiveness in the worldwide marketplace."

Kelly noted that specialty crops are a critical part of the U.S. agriculture industry, comprising nearly 50 percent of cash receipts. The primary objective of the legislation is to ensure full and equal treatment for specialty-crop farmers in the next Farm Bill. A significant investment of federal resources in U.S. specialty-crop farms will help ensure their sustainability and competitiveness, Kelly said.

"This legislation is needed to help preserve our family specialty-crop farms here in the Hudson Valley for the next generation," Kelly added. "We need to help local farmers produce a healthy supply of fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops for all Americans, and ensure a continued positive impact of specialty-crop farming on our local economy."

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http://suekelly.house.gov/News.asp?ARTICLE3316=20503