US Industry body United Fresh Produce Association has hailed the signing of the Farm Bill (Agricultural Act of 2014) by US president Obama, an event that took place on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing on Friday 7 February.

The event was hosted by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Robert Guenther, United Fresh senior vice-president of public policy, attended the ceremony along with administration officials, lawmakers and other agricultural industry representatives.

The signing ended a three-year effort by United and specialty crop allies to approve a new five-year farm bill, which was passed by the House last week and by the Senate on Tuesday.

The Farm Bill includes an overall increase in investment of 55 per cent over 2008 Farm Bill funding levels in critical produce industry initiatives and programmes, including the State Block Grant Program, Specialty Crops Research Initiative, a new fruit and vegetable incentive grant programme for SNAP recipients, and the pest and disease prevention programme.

The bill also maintains funding for the Market Access Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, which United helped to spearhead in Congress more than ten years ago to provide fresh produce snacks in schools.

“The 2014 farm bill is nothing less than a solid win for fresh produce on several fronts, including research, market promotion, pest and disease programmes and nutrition initiatives,” said Tom Stenzel, president & CEO of United Fresh. “United appreciates the steady leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the House Agriculture Committee in getting the Farm Bill passed. And our thanks also go to United Fresh members and other industry leaders who’ve walked the halls of Congress, made phone calls, supported candidates and otherwise made their voices heard to their lawmakers.”

“This Farm Bill makes landmark investments in the competitiveness of the produce industry and continues support for increasing access to fresh fruit and vegetables in our nation’s schools,” said Guenther. “It is an honour to be here at the bill’s signing and to participate in this event to mark the importance of American agriculture and our industry.”

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