Chambliss hears from commodity groups on farm bill priorities
Fruit, Vegetable & Dairy Among Groups Testifying Before Senate Ag Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2007) - U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, today heard testimony from witnesses representing various commodity groups on their priorities in the next farm bill. In his opening remarks, Sen. Chambliss noted that fruit and vegetable production is one of most profitable sectors of Georgia’s agriculture economy. Bill Brim, producer and President of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, was one of several witnesses testifying before the committee. 

   “The fruit and vegetable industry has a tremendous impact in the state of Georgia,” said Sen. Chambliss. “The specialty crop industry employs thousands of hard working Georgians and is an integral contributor to the fresh, safe and healthy food supply that Americans enjoy every day. It is clear that the specialty crop industry is a vital part of Georgia’s agriculture sector.”

   According to The University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the 2005 combined farm gate value for vegetables, fruits and nuts in Georgia is estimated to be over $1 billion dollars. In addition, the Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development at the University of Georgia estimates that in 2004, the total economic impact of these industries was $2.632 billion.

   The following groups had witnesses testify at the hearing: National Organic Coalition, Organic Trade Association, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, American Honey Producers Association, Cherry Marketing Institute, United Fresh Produce Association, California Department of Food and Agriculture, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, National Milk Producers Federation, Midwest Dairy Coalition, International Dairy Foods Association, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the National Family Farm Coalition.