Agribusiness Update for Monday 3/11/13

This is the Agribusiness Update...I’m Greg Martin...

Work on a farm bill may not start in earnest until May after Congress writes a budget and deals with the next debt ceiling cliff. Collin Peterson said it would take a number and a commitment to do serious work on a farm bill. But neither may come until after tough House-Senate bargaining on a federal budget and a May 18th deadline to raise the nation’s borrowing limit - which the Treasury could stretch until August.

Fresh produce made strong gains in the 4th quarter of 2012 compared to the previous year, driven primarily by strong performance in fruit. Increases in average retail price did not negatively affect volume sales and led to a boost in dollar sales. Organic and value-added fruits and vegetables continued to grow with strong showings in dollar sales and volume, according to the quarterly report of the United Fresh Foundation.

Washington Congressman Doc Hastings will continue to serve as Co-Chairman of the House Specialty Crop Caucus with Jim Costa of California. The caucus o helps educate and unite Congress to address challenges and promote key policy initiatives that affect fruit and vegetable growers.

That’s today’s Agribusiness Update from the Ag Information Network.