The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) Board member Mark Nicholson spoke out to he U.S. House subcommittee on the importance of specialty crop programs in the 2012 Farm Bill.
Nicholson pointed out the importance of the Specialty Crop Block Grant, Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Fruit and Vegetables Program, the Market Access Program and similar programs.
Two other apple leaders have shared similar testimonies so far this year. Leader from Idaho and California have also spoke to the U.S. House subcommittee in support of these programs.
Nicholson told the committee apple growers, “strongly advocate programs that help grow demand for and consumption of our products and build long-term competitiveness and sustainability for our industry. I believe these programs are a good investment in our industry, especially in these tough economic times.
His explanation stated that other markets like China put a huge stress on the American apple industry because they have lower cost-inputs and therefore can offer lower prices. These programs help farmers compete with such markets.
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