San Luis Obispo -- California's Department of Food And Agriculture has been awarded an 18 million dollar grant by the federal government to grow more fruits, vegetables and nuts. A year-long process of research and proposals paid off for the department. Out of 55 million dollars available through the 2008 federal Farm Act, California received more than 18 million dollars to enhance the competitiveness of its specialty crops. That includes fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruit, horticulture, and nursery crops. Department secretary, Karen Ross, says it's both a victory for the state, and good public policy. Ross explains, "Over 50 percent of the farm revenues across this country now come from specialty crops it's important for a state like California because it's where we have a competitive edge. We're blessed with this climate to be able to grow over 400 crops and the vast majority of them are specialty crops."
The California Congress ended its session with neither a new farm bill nor an extension of its 2008 farm bill. According to Secretary Ross, unless congressional action is taken to pass a new California farm bill, the Specialty Crop Block Program, and other federal programs, will be eliminated.
