04/13/07 EAT Healthy America Act

Farm and Ranch April 13, 2007 The Washington State Potato Commission along with the National Potato Council is praising the recent introduction in congress of the Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act. That's EAT Healthy America Act for short. And Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington Potato Commission says the legislation addresses many of the issues that potato growers and other minor crop producers want included in the 2007 Farm Bill. Voigt: "The primary focus of the bill is really research. Getting more dollars into research for fruits and vegetables and other specialty crops. It is also about protecting our borders to make sure we are not importing invasive pests that can affect our industry. It is also about helping us overseas both with promotions of U.S. specialty crop products as well dealing with a tremendous phytosanitary issues we have overseas. And it is about getting healthier food products to those that probably need it most. Kids in schools as well as low income people around the country who often cannot afford fresh fruits and vegetables." The EAT Healthy America Act also includes continuation of planting flexibility restrictions which potato growers view as a fundamental matter of equity. Among the bills original sponsors were Washington Representatives Rick Larsen, Doc Hastings and Cathy McMorris Rodgers. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.