House Ag Commitee in Place

Randall Weiseman General, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The full House Agriculture Committee for the 110th Congress has now been named and is ready to go to work on the 2007 Farm Bill. Among the returning members, now in the majority, is Democrat John Barrow of Georgia who attended last week’s Southeast Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Report (1:30 wma)

Biofuels Growth Continues

Randall Weiseman Energy, General

The Senate Agricutlure Committee held a hearing this week on “Agriculture and rural America’s role in enhancing national energy security” where USDA chief economist Keith Collins testified that growth in biofuels will continue. Link to Senate Ag Committee website. Report (1:00 wma)

California Freeze Could Impact Fresh Fruit Markets

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida

In this report, first-hand observations of the worst freeze California citrus and vegetable growers have seen in years, from Ed Lounds of Ft. Pierce FL who is in California this week on business. Also in the report, brief comments from FL Citrus Mutual CEO Mike Sparks about the potential impact the freeze could have on what’s left of this season’s …