USDA Specialty Crop Investment Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. The Department of Agriculture is investing in specialty crop farmers as the industry faces significant challenges.
USDA is looking for new ways to support the industry and wants feedback on how to increase the industry's production and processing practices.
USDA Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt says specialty crops are vital to our agricultural landscape …
MOFFITT … “Specialty crops are really an important part of American agriculture, just a myriad of different crops that are of course delicious and nutritious. They beautify our communities and our neighborhoods and are really an important part about making American agriculture strong, and the economy strong across the nation.”
Moffitt says many specialty crop farms are facing sustainability-related issues such as water management and soil conservation programs …
MOFFITT … “There are a variety of different challenges related to climate, to certain pest challenges that can absolutely devastate or wipe out a crop. But there’s also just a lot of opportunity. And I know firsthand, and what I’ve heard from farmers, is the pride in what they grow.”
Moffitt says this impacts the farmers and the rest of us who rely on what they produce …
MOFFITT … “They’re growing delicious and nutritious food. They’re growing food that is feeding their communities, feeding that nation, and feeding the world. And they’re growing their local economies, both the agricultural economy, as well as their communities.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on what USDA wants to hear from specialty crop growers by the March 8 deadline.
Find the resource directory and submit input at
www.usda.gov/specialty-crops
