Washington, DC — The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) applauds the reintroduction of the "Equitable Agriculture Today for a Healthy America Act (EAT Healthy America Act)." The bipartisan bill, introduced by Representatives Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Adam Putnam (R-FL), John Salazar (D-CO), Randy Kuhl (R-NY), Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), is the first step to bringing U.S. farm policy in line with the reality of today's American agricultural system. The measure drew co-sponsors from key apple-growing regions across the country.

The legislation emphasizes research, marketing, trade and nutrition programs, all of which play a vital role in keeping the U.S. apple industry growing, explained USApple Chairman Kelly Henggeler, an apple grower and packer from Fruitland, ID. "Specialty crops are a vital and growing part of the U.S. agricultural system, but we are feeling pressure like never before from foreign competition, increased regulations and production costs. As an industry, we must have a farm policy that is responsive to the changing face of agriculture in this country," said Henggeler. "EAT Healthy America is the first step in the process. We applaud the bipartisan team that introduced this important bill."

There are several key components of the legislation that are particularly important to the apple industry. The bill provides critical assistance and tools that will increase demand for specialty crops and keep the industry competitive in a changing global market, with competitors in other nations enjoying far fewer regulations, abundant labor and lower production costs.

The EAT Healthy America Act expands the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program with mandatory funding. Flexibility is a key feature that makes the block grant program so important for specialty crops. The funds are administered by state departments of agriculture as grants for specific state specialty crops, and as such, can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual state, be it marketing, research or trade programs.

The legislation also recognizes the vital role that a strong specialty crop industry plays in the health of our economy and the health and well being of our citizens. Agriculture policy and federal nutrition programs should better reflect the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to give all Americans an abundant and safe food supply that is also nutritious. "This legislation includes steps to improve the health and wellness of consumers," said Henggeler. "EAT Healthy America will help increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables and reverse our nation's skyrocketing obesity rates and the health problems that this trend creates."

Another aspect of the EAT Healthy America Act is international trade. "About a quarter of the apples grown for the fresh market in the U.S. in 2005 were exported around the globe," noted Henggeler. "The tools provided in this legislation will help build international markets for specialty crops, address non-tariff trade barriers and allow U.S. growers to meet the fierce international competition now in the marketplace."

The 2007 Farm Bill represents an opportunity to write a new chapter of American farm policy to make American farm policy truly comprehensive and competitive. A Farm Bill that treats all aspects of American agriculture equitably means a farm policy that touches all Americans. According to USDA, specialty crops represent more than $50 billion in farm-gate value and account for than 45% of farm-gate crop receipts. However, this sector of agriculture has been under-served by previous farm legislation. EAT Healthy America lays the groundwork for change in the coming legislation.

"We are not asking the government for direct handouts or subsidies," said Henggeler. "We are looking to this legislation for an investment in the future of specialty crops. We are asking for programs that help us grow demand for our products and build the long-term competitiveness of our industry."

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 300 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple's mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.