By Clint Thompson
The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) is hopeful a new Farm Bill will be established sooner rather than later.
“We’re still optimistic that we may see a bill come out of the Senate and the House this year. As to whether or not they’ll be able to come together as a conference committee and get it done, I think that remains to be seen,” said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the GFVGA. Butts’ optimism has not dissipated, despite the lack of progress from legislators and the fact the current piece of legislation is set to expire at the end of September.
“Certainly, the Georgia legislators that we’re working with on the different initiatives for the Farm Bill want to see it get done this year,” Butts said. “Now, ask five people and you may get five different answers. We’re still optimistic that something may get wrapped up in 2023.”
Butts’ objective ever since assuming his position with the GFVGA has been to support the long-term sustainability of his organization’s specialty crop farmers. That continues with the next Farm Bill.
Topping Butts’ agenda is asking for help from legislators concerning rising imports that are impacting the specialty crop sector, including blueberries, tomatoes and peppers. Southeast growers need federal aid to offset the current unfair trade practices, namely with Mexico.
“We need relief for growers suffering losses due to rising seasonal, cheap imports. Find a way to find a safety net for those folks. There’s a lot of different ways to do that,” Butts said. “We’re exploring all of those options. Trying to level that playing field for Southeast producers is priority No. 1.”