Congressional Farm Bill Is Worth SupportingFor Florida's Farmers

The recent farm bill agreement is good for Florida farmers, and federal lawmakers from our state would be wise to support it.

The bill authorizes almost $1.5 billion in mandatory spending for programs that benefit fruit and vegetable growers. Our state is the second-largest producer of fruit and vegetables in the U.S., and by far the largest producer of citrus, a $9.3 billion industry that creates 76,000 jobs.

Citrus greening, a new disease that kills citrus trees, is spreading throughout our industry. As a result, theNo. 1 funding priority for Florida citrus is pest and disease research. The current farm bill agreement addresses the need for investment in research.

Also, the bill provides increased funding to purchase fruits and vegetables for school children.

Keep in mind, the Florida citrus industry will not receive direct payments like the "subsidies" contained in traditional farm programs that go to wheat, soybeans, rice and cotton.

For the first time, the farm bill recognizes the importance of fruit and vegetables, and that is good policy.

MICHAEL W. SPARKS

Executive Vice President/CEO

Florida Citrus Mutual

Lakeland