House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., called on Congress on Aug. 18 to direct as much as US$5 billion in additional federal assistance to specialty crop producers. The proposal comes as lawmakers consider a new farm bill, a broader US$12 billion agricultural aid package, and changes to the H-2A agricultural workforce program.

Thompson wants US$5 billion of the US$12 billion in agricultural assistance included in the proposed "Reconciliation 3.0" package to go to producers of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and other specialty crops. The proposal follows US$1.6 billion provided through the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program earlier this summer to address market disruptions and high production costs.

Specialty crop producers continue to face labor, fertilizer, fuel, equipment, and crop protection costs, while their access to traditional commodity safety-net programs differs from that of major row crops. Early-season frost in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic has also damaged tree fruit, affecting yields and farm revenue.

The proposed Reconciliation 3.0 package, worth about US$95 billion, remains subject to congressional negotiations. The American Farm Bureau Federation supports the legislation, while lawmakers continue to debate the allocation of agricultural assistance.

The aid debate is taking place alongside negotiations on the farm bill. The Senate Agriculture Committee recently failed to advance its farm bill proposal on a 10-11 party-line vote, adding uncertainty around crop insurance, conservation, nutrition, dairy, and other agricultural programs.

Labor policy is another issue for specialty crop producers. Thompson is backing the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, which would create a temporary mechanism for eligible unauthorized agricultural workers to obtain H-2A status. The proposal does not establish a direct pathway to permanent residency.

The legislation would also make H-2A available year-round. Thompson says the measure is intended to address agricultural labor needs while maintaining immigration requirements. He says the workforce bill has 50 co-sponsors and support from about 550 organizations and that he intends to seek a House floor vote.

The funding and labor proposals remain subject to congressional approval. For specialty crop growers, the outcome could affect access to financial assistance, labor availability, crop insurance, and other farm policy measures.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com