11/11/05 Ag Secretary hears from spud industry

11/11/05 Ag Secretary hears from spud industry

Farm and Ranch November 11, 2005 Speciality crop producers don't get much support under the current farm bill and while potato growers don't want traditional farm program support like direct payments, they need assistance in other areas. That was the message U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns heard at the recent Farm Bill Forum in Cheney from Chris Voigt, Executive Director of the Washington State Potato Commission. For example. Voigt: "First of all Washington potato growers really expect a continuation of the restrictions that do not allow acres that receive program payments to shift production to fruits and vegetables. This puts our current specialty crops growers at a disadvantage when those that are participating in program crops can plant those acres and receive subsidies on other areas of their farm." Voigt also called for dramatic expansion of funding for the Technical Assistance Specialty Crop Program. Voigt: "This is a very minor program within USDA but goes a long way providing technical assistance to help us solve our disease and pest pressures here in the U.S." Voigt said strengthening the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service would help address the back log of phyto-sanitary issues that impact trade markets. And given the fact that 50 percent of Washington's potatoes move out of state, Voigt said an ag transportation provision in a new farm bill would be very important. He noted specifically the shortage of refrigerated rail cars. That's the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report. Brought to you in part by the Washington State Potato Commission. Nutrition today! Good health tomorrow! I'm Bob Hoff on the Northwest Ag Information Network.
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