The bipartisan group will advocate for the specialty crop industry and its growers
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A group of Republican and Democratic House Representatives have formed a group to support a segment of the ag population.
Michigan Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, along with California Reps. Jim Costa (D) and David Valadao (R), and North Carolina Rep. David Rouzer (R), launched the Specialty Crop Caucus.
Specialty crops include tree nuts, vegetables, Christmas trees and horticulture.
Combined, this industry supported 2.2 million jobs across the country and contributed almost $121 billion in labor income to the economy last year.
The new caucus group will collaborate on legislation to support market access, research funding, sustainability, and other topics important to this sector.
“It’s critical that we protect and support the next generation of farmers – including small farmers,” Rep. Slotkin said in a statement. “That is why I’m joining my colleagues to launch the bipartisan Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus. This is a group that will look out for the farmers that are often lost in the agriculture conversation in Washington, and make sure they’re represented on every page of the Farm Bill.”
Industry groups have voiced support for these Congresspeople.
Supporting the specialty crop industry also provides benefits for the greater ag sector, said Audrey Bettencourt, president and CEO of Almond Alliance.
“Their leadership is pivotal in ensuring the sustained prosperity and growth of the specialty crop industry, which in turn supports the wider agricultural community,” he said in a statement.
The International Fresh Produce Association also welcomes the Specialty Crop Caucus.
“It’s critical to have congressional champions united to advance the priorities unique to our diverse industry,” Cathy Burns, CEO of the organization, said in a statement.