For the first time, the periodic reauthorization of federal farm policy known as “the farm bill” includes provisions relevant to California nursery growers.  This was a result of a multi-year effort in Washington built on growers experiences on particular issues, such as the glassy-winged sharpshooter.  In fact, the farm bill specifically focuses on pest issues, beefing up the existing systems, addressing funding problems that have inhibited nursery programs, and augmenting “best management practices”.  The bill also funds the existing Clean Plant Network that provides disease-free stock to nursery growers and addresses problems we identified during several disasters that limited nursery growers from participating in the tree assistance program. 

Our efforts were part of a larger coalition of “specialty crops” that included wine, fruits and vegetables, flowers, and nuts.  Those efforts provided additional benefits to nursery growers beyond the pest issues described above.  For the next five years, CDFA and other state departments of agriculture will have grant money to support projects that assist specialty crops while USDA now has funds dedicated to research projects affecting those same commodities, including nursery.  Nursery growers must take advantage of these new programs by identifying pressing needs and then raising the issue in Washington or Sacramento.  The block grant program that CDFA will administer is limited only by the creativity of the requests but only if CDFA is made aware of the need that it meets.    

The farm bill occurs every five years.  The success of the specialty crop coalition and Congress’ recognition of the importance of nursery to our agricultural economy provide us the opportunity to work on some of the pest and other issues affecting our industry.