September 24, 2002
The Honorable Ann Veneman
Secretary
U.S. Department of
Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Secretary Veneman:
The organizations listed below representing commodity, nutrition,
food distribution, food service, consumer groups and anti-hunger
interest, strongly support increasing federal nutrition programs by
expanding the availability of fruits and vegetables. In our efforts to
support these programs, we sought and secured in the 2002 Farm Bill, an
increase in commodity purchases from Section 32 funds at a level of $200
million above historic levels.
We believe that these purchases provide fruit and vegetables, and
other commodities to a very important segment of our Nation's
population, our school children. Any efforts to redirect these funds
would be detrimental to these child nutrition programs. We were
disappointed to hear of USDA’s announcement to divert Section 32 funds
away from these fruit, vegetable and other commodity purchases and into
disaster programs. It is crucial that these funds remain for their
intended purpose.
We understand that the economic pressures on all areas of agriculture
are intense this year due to drought and other issues, but the commodity
purchase program is vital for fruit and vegetable growers across the US.
Our members have been facing an equally difficult time, and do not feel
that taking out of this program is appropriate for specialty crop
agriculture.
We ask that you continue to use Section 32 funds as Congress directed
in the 2002 Farm Bill -- for a minimum of $200 million for purchases of
fruit and vegetables above historic levels.
Sincerely,
American Commodity Distribution Association
American Dietetic
Association
American School Food Service Association
California
Canned Peach Association
California Citrus Mutual
California
Grape & Tree Fruit League
Consumers Federation of
America
Florida Citrus Commission
Florida Citrus
Mutual
Florida Citrus Packers Association
Florida Citrus
Processors Association
Florida Department of Citrus
Florida Fruit
and Vegetable Association
Florida Tomato Exchange
Georgia Fruit
and Vegetable Growers Association
Gulf Citrus Growers
Association
Grower-Shipper Association of Central California
Highlands County Citrus Growers Association
Idaho Grower Shippers
Association
Indian River Citrus League
National Potato
Council
Northwest Horticultural Council
Ocean Spray,
Inc.
Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association
Produce for
Better Health Foundation
Produce Marketing Association
Sunkist
Growers
Texas Citrus Mutual
United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Association
Western Growers Association
cc:
U.S. House of Representatives Horticulture Caucus
U.S. Senate Produce Caucus
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Keira Franz
703-836-3410
kfranz@uffva.org
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