Farm bill could help Washington crop exports

Compromise has aid for farmers, but may be vetoed

By Les Blumenthal | McClatchy Newspapers • Published May 09, 2008

"It's not just the breadbasket in the Midwest and the South anymore," he said, adding the money for fruit and vegetable research represents a "long-term investment that keeps us competitive globally."

Many details of what's included in the bill remained sketchy Thursday. And though the bill apparently reins in some farm subsidy programs, it reportedly falls short of what the White House and even House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had hoped for. Only 20 percent of Washington state's farmers receive federal subsidies, which totaled $2.5 billion in the past 10 years. Whitman County traditionally has been one of the top wheat-producing counties in the nation.

The language in the bill is complicated. One of the reforms involves lowering the income cutoff on eligibility for federal subsidies from $2.5 million to $500,000.

Specialty crop growers do not receive direct federal subsidies.

The bill provides $15 million to compensate asparagus growers in Washington, California and Michigan who have been hurt by cheap asparagus imports from South America.

The legislation also includes $20 million for a new program called the National Clean Plant Network. The program, championed by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., is aimed at ensuring that safe, virus-free plant materials are available for use in orchards, vineyards and for other crops.

Pelosi's office said funding for conservation programs to reduce soil erosion, improve wildlife habitat and enhance air and water quality was boosted by $4 billion, though no program-by-program breakdown was immediately available.

Washington state lawmakers were generally pleased with the final version of the bill.

"Agriculture is a driving force behind our state's economy, and investments in this farm bill will help keep it that way for years to come," said Murray, adding she was especially pleased the bill would provide "comprehensive help" for fruit and vegetable growers.

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., said he would comment when additional details were known.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., said the funding for specialty crops will help the state's growers "compete with farms down the road and around the world. Investments in research, pest management, trade promotion and nutrition initiatives are money well spent ... ."