IFPA Applauds the Re-establishment of the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus

April 15, 2024

Washington, DC — The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) celebrates the re-establishment of the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus, bringing renewed focus to the issues facing the fruit, vegetable, tree nut, and floral industries.

The bipartisan caucus will be dedicated to supporting the interests of specialty crop production, educating about legislative and regulatory policies that benefit the sector, and opportunities to address challenges specific to the industry. IFPA is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA), David Rouzer (R-NC), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and David Valadao (R-CA), who are co-chairing this critical bipartisan effort.

“Renewing the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus is a major step forward for the industry, further elevating the vital importance of specialty crops to our nation’s health, food security, and economy,” said Cathy Burns, IFPA’s CEO. “We represent over one-third of total farm gate value, contribute millions of jobs, and billions in labor income to the American economy. Especially as Congress and our industry work to pass the Farm Bill, it’s critical to have congressional champions united to advance the priorities unique to our diverse industry.”

Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops. They account for more than one-third of farm gate value, represent 2.2 million jobs across all 50 states, and contributed $120.6 billion in labor income to the American economy in 2023 alone. Yet less than 4 percent of Farm Bill expenditures target fruits and vegetables. IFPA will work with the Specialty Crops Caucus to advocate for the industry’s priorities in the Farm Bill, such as block grants, research initiatives, risk management, market access, and the restructuring of nutrition programs to address the underconsumption of fruits and vegetables.

IFPA encourages interested Members of Congress, whose constituents are bolstered by the specialty crops industry, to join the caucus and engage in its efforts.

IFPA Applauds the Re-establishment of the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus

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