How California benefits in farm bill

WASHINGTON – Central Valley farmers harvested serious funding in the $289 billion farm bill approved Wednesday by the House.

"Past farm bills didn't work for California, oftentimes," said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Atwater. This new bill, he added, included "significant benefits" for the state.

The farm bill's California-related provisions include:

School snacks

The bill provides $1 billion to expand a fresh fruit and vegetable snack program to all 50 states. Currently, the program is limited to schools in 14 states, and California is excluded.

This billion-dollar boost could aid Valley farms and schools alike. Using federal funds, eligible schools will be buying local produce to provide students healthy snacks in kiosks and cafeterias. Carrots, celery, apples, oranges, pears and grapes are typically among the leading snacks bought, an Agriculture Department student found.

To participate, schools must have at least half of their students eligible for existing free and reduced-price school lunch programs. Many Valley schools fit the bill.

Specialty crop block grants

The bill includes $466 million over 10 years for block grants to help states research and promote specialty crops, which include fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits and flowers. California will end up with more funding than other states.

Past specialty crop block grants have funded walnut research at the University of California, Davis, subsidized salad bars in California schools and helped pay for Buy California promotional materials deployed in stores.

Traditional crop subsidies

California's rice, wheat, cotton and corn growers harvested some $435 million in commodity payments in 2006, according to data collected by the Environmental Working Group. By and large, the new farm bill retains these existing commodity programs.

Environmental programs

The Agriculture Department's existing Environmental Quality Incentive Program will include $150 million to assist farmers in regions with serious air pollution. The money will help pay for new engines, pumps and other equipment, as well as air-friendly activities like chipping orchard clippings instead of burning them.

A big priority for Cardoza and Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, the EQIP program was written with the smoggy San Joaquin Valley in mind. In another green maneuver, California lawmakers included the Sacramento River watershed among several high-priority regions eligible for new "agricultural water enhancement" funding.

"We have the unique opportunity to shape the land and water preservation programs from the ground up," said Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento.

Market access program

The farm bill authorizes $200 million a year for the Market Access Program, well-known among California farmers. This is the same funding level approved in the 2002 farm bill.

The program provides grants for overseas ads and promotional efforts. Most recently, for instance, the California Walnut Commission received a $3.5 million grant to boost imports.

Asparagus

San Joaquin County asparagus farmers, among the nation's most productive, can pick up a share of $15 million courtesy of a Michigan senator.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow included the money, to be divided equally between producers of fresh and processed or frozen asparagus. The money is supposed to compensate farmers hurt by South American imports between 2004 and 2007.

Dairy

The existing Dairy Promotion and Research Program, funded by industry fees, will grow under the farm bill. The current dairy promotion program raises about $158 million a year. The money, for instance, has funded promotions for ham-and-cheese and other "dairy friendly" meals at Wendy's restaurants, as well as the "cheesy bites pizza" offered by Pizza Hut.

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• Call Michael Doyle, Bee Washington Bureau, (202) 383-0006.