Collins, Butler Lead Bipartisan Bill to Empower Specialty Crop Farmers

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Laphonza Butler (D-CA) introduced the Specialty Crops Security Act, legislation to increase the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program authorization from $85 to $100 million per year and expand opportunities for specialty crop stakeholders to provide input into how program funding is used by state departments of agriculture. Senator Angus King is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

"Agriculture is an integral part of Maine's rural communities and our state's economy, from newly founded farms to operations that have been passed down from generation to generation," said Senator Collins. "This increase in the authorization for the Specialty Crop Block Grant program will strengthen Maine's agricultural sector by providing additional support for the development of more resilient fruits and vegetables, while boosting farmers' sales through increased marketing."

"California's farmers produce nearly half of the country's specialty crops and they deserve a seat at the table when state departments of agriculture make decisions about how to allocate funding that directly impacts them," said Senator Butler.

"The agriculture community is at the heart of Maine's identity and is essential to our state's economy, and they deserve government action that works for them in the global marketplace," said Senator King. "The Specialty Crops Security Act increases grants for specialty crops to ensure Maine's diverse agricultural products can compete on even terms with commodity crops and farmers from other countries - helping to save and revitalize our farms right here in Maine. The legislation also provides Maine farmers a seat at the table to ensure their voice is heard when the Department of Agriculture decides how to use program funding. As the agricultural industry faces new challenges every day, we must level the playing field by providing needed resources and support-and a voice- to our American businesses."

"Senator Susan Collins is, once again, stepping up as a champion of Maine agriculture and of Maine's iconic wild blueberry industry," said Eric Venturini, Executive Director, Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. "The Specialty Crop Block Grant program provides crucial funding to support research, development, and innovation solely for specialty crops like Maine wild blueberries. With Senator Collins' support, this bill will increase funding to the program, and ensure that funding is used to support the demonstrated needs of Maine's farmers. Thank you, Senator Collins, for your leadership and support."

"The Specialty Crop Block Grant program has provided crucial funding for much needed research for the Maine potato industry," said Jeannie Tapley, Assistant Executive Director of the Maine Potato Board. "This bill enhancing that grant program would be a huge win for specialty crops in Maine and across the United States. We are extremely grateful to Senator Collins for co-sponsoring this bill and her unwavering support of the Maine potato industry and Maine agriculture."

"The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is highly effective but underfunded and oversubscribed," said Ted McKinney, NASDA CEO. "NASDA supports the Specialty Crop Security Act because it allows states the flexibility to work closely with specialty crop farmers and grower groups in establishing annual priorities. In addition, the bill would provide critical funding to support specialty crop competitiveness."

"Over its 20-year life, the Specialty Crop Block Grant program has enhanced the competitiveness of specialty crop growers across the country. Its track record of success, tailored by each state's unique priorities, merits increased investment from the federal government. The Specialty Crop Security Act of 2024, authored by Senators Collins (ME) and Butler (CA), fulfills that goal through additional funding and enhancements to meet the future needs of the U.S. specialty crop industry," the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance said in a statement.

Specialty crops are a significant portion of Maine's agricultural output. Maine's most commonly produced specialty crops include blueberries, potatoes, maple syrup, and Christmas trees.

The SCBG program was first funded in 2006 and quickly became one of the most important programs enabling state departments of agriculture to support their specialty crop industries. The program is designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and funds activities that accomplish a broad range of outcomes, including:

• Increased access to and consumption of specialty crops,
• Research supporting the resilience of specialty crops,
• More robust regional and local food systems,
• And food safety improvements.

In addition to Senator King, the Specialty Crops Security Act is also co-sponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Ben Luján (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

The complete bill text can be read here.

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