Specialty Crop Waiver Bill

From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. A House bill has been introduced that would reinstate the waiver authority for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative’s matching requirement.

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says this legislation is of particular importance to the state of Washington …

NEWHOUSE … “Most of the crops that we raise in the state of Washington are specialty crops. And so, this initiative, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, it truly is a critical part of helping Washington farmers do what they do best and supply the world with the cherries, the apples, the wine, the hops, all of the kinds of specialty crops that we produce.”

The Sunnyside Republican says the waiving of matching funds requirements is especially important given the timing …

NEWHOUSE … “These were provisions that were inadvertently, I’ll say, left out of the previous, 2018 Farm Bill. So, this legislation will ensure that it’s included in this year’s version as we write the Farm Bill for 2023.”

Newhouse says it could benefit growers with the future advancements in production …

NEWHOUSE … “That way we will be able to continue funding this important work that truly does keep Washington and United States agriculture on the cutting edge in a very competitive climate.”

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative is a key USDA plant pest and disease prevention research program targeting fruits and vegetables.