[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S4754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. STABENOW (for herself, Mr. Craig, Mr. Crapo, Mrs. Clinton, 
        Mr. Casey, Mr. Levin, Mrs. Boxer, Mrs. Feinstein, Mrs. Murray, 
        Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Smith, Mr. Isakson, Mr. Brown, Mr. 
        Menendez, Mr. Burr, and Ms. Snowe):
  S. 1160. A bill to ensure an abundant and affordable supply of highly 
nutritious fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops for American 
consumers and international markets by enhancing the competitiveness of 
United States-grown specialty crops; to the Committee on Agriculture, 
Nutrition, and Forestry.
  Mr. CRAIG. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the ``Specialty 
Crop Competition Act of 2007.'' This bipartisan legislation co-
sponsored by the distinguished Senator from Michigan, Senator Stabenow, 
increases the focus on the contribution that specialty crops add to the 
United States agricultural economy. This bill specifically provides the 
proper and necessary attention to many challenges faced throughout each 
segment of the industry.
  Most do not realize the significance of specialty crops and their 
value to the U.S. economy and the health of U.S. citizens. According to 
the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, 
fruits and vegetables alone added $29.9 billion to the U.S. economy in 
2002. This figure does not even include the contribution of nursery and 
other ornamental plant production, which our bill recognizes.
  The specialty crop industry also accounts for more than $53 billion 
in cash receipts for U.S. producers, which is close to 54 percent of 
the total cash receipts for all crops. A surprising fact to some is 
that my State of Idaho is a top producer of specialty crops. Idaho 
proudly boasts production of cherries, table grapes, apples, onions, 
carrots, several varieties of seed crops and of course one of our most 
notable specialty crops, potatoes.
  Maintaining a viable and sustainable specialty crop industry also 
benefits the health of America's citizens. Obesity continues to plague 
millions of people today and is a very serious and deepening threat not 
only to personal health and well-being, but to the resources of the 
economy as well. This issue is now receiving the necessary attention at 
the highest levels, and specialty crops will continue to play a 
prominent role in reversing the obesity trend.
  The ``Specialty Crop Competition Act'' will also provide a stronger 
position for the U.S. industry in the global market arena. This 
legislation promotes initiatives that will combat diseases, both native 
and foreign, that continue to be used as non-tariff barriers to U.S. 
exports by foreign governments. Additionally, provisions in this bill 
seek improvements to federal regulations and resources that impede 
timely consideration of industry sanitary and phytosanitary petitions.
  This bill does not provide direct subsidies to producers like other 
programs. This legislation takes a major step forward to highlight the 
significance of this industry to the agriculture economy, the benefits 
to the health of U.S. citizens, and the need for a stable, affordable, 
diverse, and secure supply of food.
  Senator Stabenow, I, and our co-sponsors fully intend to work with 
Chairman Harkin, Ranking Member Chambliss and the entire Senate 
Agriculture Committee to include this legislation in the new Farm Bill 
that Congress will soon be debating. Specialty crops have never sat at 
the head of the farm policy table, but their importance to our Nation's 
health, security, and economy cannot be avoided any longer.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration 
to consider this comprehensive and necessary legislation as we begin to 
discuss new initiatives for the 2007 Farm Bill.
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