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2007 Farm Bill

The 2007 Farm Bill, for the first time, provides substantial funding for the fruit and vegetable industry.

The Florida citrus industry stands to benefit from the 2007 Farm Bill through the mandatory funding provisions for specialty crop programs. Specifically, mandatory funding for fruit and vegetable marketing, crop research and increased federal nutrition programs that encourage children to eat healthier.

This Farm Bill recognizes the importance of research, which for the Florida citrus industry has been and will continue to be the single most imporatn investment that can be made to ensure the future viability of Florida’s signature crop. Research is especially important when Florida citrus is being threatened by a disease like citrus greening.

Also included in the 2007 Farm Bill is increased pest and disease interdiction at our ports and borders to allow us to head off those threats before they become a problem in Florida. It also recognizes domestic agricultural producers who follow best management practices for controlling pests and disease.

This Farm Bill includes block grants which will allow the Florida citrus industry – through partnerships with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – to meet specific needs in different areas such as research on pests and disease, mechanical harvesting adn developing marketing programs.

Farm Bill Update – December 14, 2007

On December 14th the U.S. Senate approved the 2007 Farm Bill. Senator Mel Martinez voted in favor of the bill and Senator Bill Nelson was not present for the vote.

On January 15th the House and Senate will convene for the second session of the 110th Congress. At that time, Mutual hopes a Conference Committee will be appointed by both chambers and then negotiations will begin on a final Farm Bill agreement to send to the President for his signature.