Dec 21, 2018

Farm bill signing saluted by United Fresh Produce Association

The United Fresh Produce Association applauded the signing of the 2018  Farm Bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, by President Donald Trump at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building today. Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, and John Hollay, Senior Director of Public Policy attended the signing along with Secretary Perdue, Members of Congress and other agricultural industry allies.

“The 2018 Farm Bill is a major victory for fresh produce. Despite differences between the House and Senate, Congress has once again shown that when legislation is dealt with in a bipartisan manner, the American people will benefit. We would like to thank the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agricultural Committee for their leadership in passing a Farm Bill that is good for both the fresh produce industry and consumers,” said Guenther.

United Fresh salutes the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 120 organizations, which played a key role in establishing priorities that are vital to the specialty crop industry for the 2018 Farm Bill. The legislation includes policies that benefit the specialty crop industry, such as providing $85 million per year to continue funding the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program and full funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) at $80 million, with an additional $25 million per year for the creation of a citrus trust fund to help combat citrus greening. The bill also maintains funding for pest and disease research and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), while also increasing funding for the Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentive (FINI).

“We look forward to working with USDA and other industry partners to ensure a smooth implementation process,” said Guenther. “By approving this legislation, both Congress and the President have affirmed the increasing importance of fresh produce and specialty crops in both our economy and our food supply.” 

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.

From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses.

For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call (202) 303-3400.

Photo at top: The United Fresh Produce Association was represented at the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, by President Donald Trump at a ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Dec. 20. Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President of Public Policy, and John Hollay, Senior Director of Public Policy attended the signing along with Secretary Perdue, Members of Congress and other agricultural industry allies.