By Clint Thompson
The One Big Beautiful Bill is a one big beautiful win for specialty crops.
Chris Butts, executive director of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), highlighted the recently passed legislation, which will impact fruit and vegetable growers across the Southeast.
“I think there are some very good provisions included in the bill for important initiatives, including research. We’ve talked before about the need for technology, mechanization and automation; some money there that we’re really pleased to see,” Butts said. “We’re also pleased to see block grants; specialty crop block grants get a little bit more funding. Those are critical for us to help with our messaging and our mission to our members. Overall, very pleased with it. Just glad to see that it finally moved.”
The bill’s provisions include a funding increase to $175 million per year for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, up from $80 million.
Blake Thaxton, executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, echoes Butts’ sentiments about the bill’s importance, specifically pertaining to research funding.
“We’re all for any kind of increased funding in research and funding for the industry. We see that as a positive thing,” Thaxton said.