The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance has voiced its support for the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee’s unveiling of the legislative text tied to the federal budget reconciliation package. In a news release, the alliance expressed appreciation to the committee for “advancing these vital investments in specialty crops.”
“Any investment by Congress in American agriculture must include specialty crops,” the statement read. “Growers of these crops across the U.S. face a wide array of unprecedented challenges — from escalating input costs and limited labor availability to unfair trade practices, foreign market disruptions, and natural disasters such as floods and droughts. The very survival of our domestic specialty crop industry is at risk.”
The alliance noted that the investments — already approved by the House of Representatives — are “a key component in helping America’s specialty crop growers thrive,” though it acknowledged that “more work remains.”
However, Senate rules prevent the inclusion of certain policy proposals put forward by the alliance, such as increased funding for mechanization, automation, and reforms to crop insurance.
“We are prepared to work alongside Congress to pass a comprehensive, bipartisan farm bill that prioritizes America’s specialty crop producers,” the alliance emphasized. The current 2018 Farm Bill is now under its second one-year extension.
The alliance is led by co-chairs Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.
Ted Tschirky, president of the Potato Council and a grower from Washington state, also welcomed the Senate committee’s action. “The support for specialty crop growers isn’t just helpful — it’s critical to the survival and global competitiveness of family farms and the entire U.S. potato industry,” he said in a statement.
Tschirky added that the committee’s draft reflects “a clear commitment to addressing the difficult economic conditions facing our nation’s potato farmers.” According to Quarles, these farmers have faced considerable challenges since the 2018 Farm Bill was enacted and have been waiting for updated tools and support since its expiration. He stressed that the current provisions “must be quickly passed by Congress, signed into law by the president, and enacted through any viable legislative route.”
According to the Potato Council, the Senate Agriculture Committee’s draft includes key funding increases for specialty crop programs:
- Specialty Crop Research Initiative: $175 million annually (up from $80 million)
- Specialty Crop Block Grant Program: $100 million annually (up from $85 million)
- Market Access Program: $200 million annually (a 100% increase)
- Pest and Disease Programs under the Plant Protection Act: $90 million annually (up from $75 million)
- Elimination of the adjusted gross income cap for farmers who earn at least 75% of their income from agriculture
Key Terms and Concepts
1. What is the Farm Bill?
The Farm Bill is a comprehensive U.S. law updated every five years that governs agriculture, food programs, conservation, and rural development. It allocates billions in funding and shapes agricultural policy nationwide. In 2025, a new version is being developed to replace the 2018 bill. It’s essential for determining support levels for farmers and food assistance programs. For example, it includes crop insurance and SNAP funding.
2. What are specialty crops?
Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery products, unlike staple commodity crops such as corn or soybeans. These crops are vital to nutrition, local economies, and export diversity. In 2025, they’re gaining more attention due to rising consumer demand and climate resilience. Examples include apples, lettuce, almonds, and potatoes. They often require more labor and investment than field crops.
3. What is the federal budget reconciliation package?
Reconciliation is a U.S. Senate process that allows budget-related legislation to pass with a simple majority, avoiding filibuster. In 2025, it is being used to fast-track funding for key agriculture initiatives. It’s important for pushing through time-sensitive economic and policy reforms. This method is being used to boost programs like the Specialty Crop Block Grant. However, it limits non-budget policy changes.
4. What is agricultural mechanization and automation?
Mechanization refers to using machines in farming (like tractors or harvesters), while automation includes smart tech like robotics and AI. These tools help reduce labor dependency and increase productivity. In 2025, farmers face labor shortages and rising costs, making such innovations essential. Examples include automated lettuce harvesters and drone-based crop monitoring. They also support climate-smart practices.
5. What is crop insurance reform?
Crop insurance protects farmers from yield or revenue losses due to weather, pests, or market crashes. Reform in 2025 aims to make these policies more inclusive for specialty crops and small farms. This helps ensure food security and keeps growers in business after disasters. For example, it can compensate a fruit farmer after a frost wipes out their harvest. Reforms may include better coverage options and accessibility.
6. What is the Market Access Program (MAP)?
MAP is a USDA program that helps U.S. producers promote agricultural exports through branding, trade shows, and advertising abroad. In 2025, funding is set to double to support farmers amid rising global competition. It is crucial for expanding markets, especially for specialty crops. For instance, it helps U.S. cherries enter Asian markets. The program enhances rural incomes and trade balance.
7. How do Senate rules affect agricultural policy?
Senate rules, like the Byrd Rule, restrict what can be included in reconciliation bills to purely budget-related items. This limits inclusion of policy proposals, such as crop insurance reform or tech funding. In 2025, many ag policies were dropped for this reason. These rules are important for maintaining fiscal discipline but can slow urgent reforms. As a result, broader legislation like the Farm Bill is needed.
8. What is the significance of the 2025 budget for agriculture?
The 2025 federal budget will shape farm support, climate resilience, and food system modernization. Increased funding for specialty crops shows a shift in priorities toward sustainable, diverse farming. It supports research, market access, and disaster relief. For instance, funding for pest management and automation is being expanded. The budget reflects political and economic trends impacting rural America.
9. How do natural disasters impact agriculture in 2025?
Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity, severely affecting farms. In 2025, climate change has made such events more unpredictable and damaging. Specialty crops, which are sensitive and high-value, are especially vulnerable. These disasters can wipe out entire harvests, disrupt markets, and raise food prices. Relief funding and insurance are critical responses.
10. Why is bipartisan support important for the Farm Bill?
The Farm Bill impacts diverse groups: farmers, food aid recipients, and rural communities. Bipartisan support ensures broad interests—like commodity subsidies and nutrition programs—are fairly balanced. In 2025, such unity is vital for passing timely reforms and funding expansions. It helps ensure long-term stability in agriculture policy. Successful examples include past bills that funded SNAP and conservation together.
