06/01/07 Potatoes garnering congressional support for farm bill needs

Farm and Ranch June 1, 2007 The 2007 Farm Bill was one of the primary topics Washington Potato Commission Executive Director Chris Voigt worked on during a recent trip to Washington D.C. He says this is really the first time that they have gotten momentum by partnering with all the specialty crops to ask for a portion of the farm bill. Voigt; "And what we don't want Bob, we don't want to become a direct payment program. We don't want a subsidy from the government. But what we are asking for are things like helping us with our exports, opening up markets overseas. We are looking at getting more fresh and fruit and vegetables to those that need it most, those on low incomes and in school food service. It is all about getting healthy, fresh fruit and vegetables out to the public. Those are some of the things we are asking for. So, no direct payments for growers but we want the government to help us expand our markets." Voigt says the ball park statistics say about 95 percent of farm program funding goes to five program crops. Voigt: "And that does not include the specialty crops. Yet the specialty crops make up roughly about 50% of the farm gate value in the country. So it is kind of time that the specialty crops at least get a portion of the farm bill." Voigt says they expect to have 100 percent support from the Washington congressional delegation for the farm bill needs of specialty crops. 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.