ASHS' Impact on Washington Decision Makers

Federal funding for horticultural research has hung in the balance between the sequester and work on the next Farm Bill. ASHS has been working diligently to see that these important programs for our members, the horticultural industry, and the health of the county, are not forgotten. Many members have played a part, and our consultant, Mr. Moore, has been keeping the communication channels with legislators and the USDA active and effective. This presentation is a roundup of where we are at, and what to expect in the coming year. A particular focus will be on Specialty Crop Block Grants are awarded to the states who then award them to research, education, and market development. These are very popular with industry and seen by Congress as some of the most effective agriculture-related programs. ASHS members in some states are benefitting considerably, but there is great variation depending on how they engage their state departments of agriculture.