WASHINGTON, DC & FRESNO, CA - A unified call of arms has been vocalized between International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) for the reauthorization of the 2023 Farm Bill. Recent recommendations were delivered to Capitol Hill by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), representing a year-long effort to address the vital need for ongoing and additional investment and support for the United States specialty crop agriculture community.

CFFA President Ian LeMay serves as a member of SCFBA steering committee, which was established to advocate for broad-based Farm Bill policy initiatives to address the unique needs of the agricultural industry.

“On behalf of the California Fresh Fruit Association, we are proud to support the recommendations set forth by the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. The Association is a longstanding member of this important coalition and looks forward to supporting these initiatives to ensure that agriculture in the United States remains viable for generations to come,” LeMay stated. “Congress has a unique opportunity to help fortify and propel U.S. agriculture to meet the demands of a 21st-century agriculture economy. We hope that they will join us in thinking boldly to meet this moment.”

Approximately $800 million is allocated through the Farm Bill annually to programs that help drive the competitiveness of the fresh produce industry, noted a press release. There are more than 25 programs in the current bill that provide resources and policy tools for fresh produce.

“The Farm Bill is the single largest investment of federal resources in the fresh produce industry and sets American agriculture and food policy for the next five years,” said IFPA Chief Public Policy Officer Robert Guenther. “With the Farm Bill expiring in September, IFPA and industry allies will work to protect current investments, look for new opportunities, and build critical relationships that position the fresh industry to continue building strong support for our efforts.”

As Secretariat of the SCFBA, IFPA provides leadership and active support for the Alliance’s recommendations which encompass 109 recommendations across eight Farm Bill titles, including:

• Nutrition funding
• Research priorities
• Food Safety Modernization Act research and support
• Enhancing Rural Development Programs
• Market Access Programs

Check out IFPA’s release here for more details.

Keep an eye out for more updates on ANUK on the latest industry developments.

California Fresh Fruit Association International Fresh Produce Association