The 2018 farm bill should “promote the connection between food production and food access, while ensuring that we take care of the land,” says Karen Ross, the California state agriculture secretary, in releasing the state’s recommendations for the legislation. California, known for its fruit, vegetables, and wine, is also the leading U.S. milk producer and the No. 1 farm state in dollar value of production.
“California’s recommendations focus on robust funding for food and nutrition programs; protection and enhancement of conservation programs; safeguarding marketing and trade programs, including specialty crops; strengthening animal and plant health programs; and making investments in research,” says an agriculture department release. The package calls for improvement in the Price Loss Coverage program subsidy for grains and soybeans, the use of a regional feed formula in calculating dairy subsidies, and the enhancement of crop insurance, particularly for organic farms and so-called specialty crops.
“California strongly advocates that domestic food assistance programs remain an integral part of the 2018 Farm Bill. Any budget or policy changes should continue the structure of the SNAP [food stamps], so it stays responsive to economic changes and adequately supports Californians in need,” says an introduction to the recommendations.
To read California’s farm bill priorities, click here.