Northwest farmers say farm bill to help specialty crops

YAKIMA -- Pacific Northwest farmers hope Wednesday's strong majority vote in favor of the 2008 farm bill in the House of Representatives means the measure will survive a veto.

Officials said the measure provides a historic expansion of programs that will benefit specialty crops -- namely the apples, pears, cherries and other crops that are the region's staple. Yakima County is the No. 1 producer of apples in the nation.

The huge bill's provisions expand use of fresh fruits and vegetables in schools, support for research and market access overseas.

Fourth District Rep. Doc Hastings, one of a majority of Northwest lawmakers to vote for the bill, said the measure meets a number of regional priorities.

"While this bill is far from perfect, it provides more support for Central Washington specialty crops than any other farm bill in history," Hastings said in a news release.

The bill also includes $15 million for asparagus growers hurt by imports.

Mark Powers, vice president of the Yakima-based Northwest Horticultural Council, said trade and research assistance and getting more fresh fruit into schools are worthwhile programs that will help the industry.

"Our industry is not a proponent for direct payments and subsidies," he said. "Those aren't something we are seeking. But the other things should benefit our industry and are very positive."

The council represents the region's fruit industry on trade and regulatory issues.

Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of the Portland-based Pear Bureau Northwest, said the school nutrition program began as a pilot project and would be expanded to 25 schools in each state if the bill becomes law.

The program introduces school children to fresh fruits and vegetables as snack items outside the regular meal period.

Pears were the fourth most popular fresh snack item in the pilot program.

"It's a great program," he said.