Hearing: “The Future of Specialty Crops for Small Family Farmers”

WASHINGTON- The House Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing entitled, “The Future of Specialty Crops for Small Family Farmers,” on Thursday, July 30, 2009 at 10:00am in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building.  The Committee will examine Title X of the Farm Bill and the benefits that it will have for family farmers that produce specialty crops.  Officials from the Department of Agriculture, representatives of trade associations, and producers will discuss the USDA programs aimed at assisting specialty crop producers.

WHAT:        “The Future of Specialty Crops for Small Family Farmers”

WHEN:        Thursday, July 30, 2009
                       10:00 am

WHERE:      2360 Rayburn House Office Building

Witness List—for planning purposes only:
Panel I
Honorable Kathleen Merrigan
Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
US Department of Agriculture

Panel II
Mr. Bill Holbrook
Owner
Cold Mountain Farms
Waynesville, NC

Mr. Kenny Barnwell
Kenny Barnwell Orchards
Edneyville, NC

Mr. Mark Williams
CFO
Flavor 1st Growers & Packers
Horse Shoe, NC
On behalf of United Fresh Produce Association

Mr. Rich Hudgins
President & CEO
California Canning Peach Association
Sacramento, CA
On behalf of National Council of Farmer Cooperatives

Mr. Jim Anderson
Executive Director
Missouri Wine and Grape Board
Jefferson City, Missouri