- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
California farmers would like the 2012 farm bill to provide help for struggling dairies, incentives for reducing air pollution and support for a legal farm work force, according to testimony at a House Agriculture Committee hearing yesterday at Fresno City Hall reported in today's Fresno Bee.
The story, written by Robert Rodriguez, said an almond grower who requested help for purchasing new tractors that meet state air quality regulations heard from Rep. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, that it may be a tough sell in the nation's capital.
"We can't drive public policy on what one state does," he said. "We are going to have to make some tough choices."
Speakers at the meeting said low dairy prices have hurt California dairy operators and that a significant majority of people willing to do farm work lack proper immigration status.
Van Konynenburg suggested the 2012 legislation should build on the parts of the 2008 farm bill that promoted healthy foods for schoolchildren and other consumers.
Many schools cannot handle large amounts of fresh produce, so the programs should include products such as "peach snack cups or a box of raisins," he said.
"Tree fruits and nuts are vital to the good health of the American diet," Van Konynenburg was quoted. "The next farm bill should support foods which the nation's medical community believes will enhance health and help fight disease."
Van Konynenburg also urged support for research that reduces labor needs in orchards, such as a mechanical peach thinner being tested by the University of California Cooperative Extension, said the Modesto Bee version of the story.
As a former food service worker, I am certain the problem could be solved. How can we help?