05/01/07 Craig's specialty crop bill

Idaho Senator Larry Craig says he's been working on this legislation for four years. CRAIG "I think the time of specialty crops has come. We see organic farming today. We see a variety of niche farming styles that are becoming very profitable in the market for smaller sized agricultural operations." Craig has introduced legislation in Washington that will give specialty crop growers some of the same types of programs that are now enjoyed by corn, cotton and soybeans. 52 percent of all crops are considered to be 'specialty.' Craig says his bill, co-sponsored by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, covers potatoes, table grapes and seed crops, commodities that are big business in Idaho. CRAIG "It is not a loan guarantee. It is not a guaranteed price. It would help invest money for the development of markets and the improvement of techniques for selling." Craig says a grant he helped to secure for the Idaho wine industry two years ago was spent on improving market share. Craig says with the support of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns he believes the specialty crop legislation will be included in the new farm bill. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott