Checks may not be used for any processed foods such as jams, honey, nuts,
cider or baked goods.

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The Act was cosponsored by 122 members of Congress
representing farmers who grow more than 250 produce crops ranging from lettuce
in California to melons in Arizona to blueberries in Maine.
Under the established guidelines, WIC participants, and income-eligible
seniors receive four checks totaling $20 to purchase Pennsylvania fruits and
vegetables.

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WIC recipients must be deemed eligible by their local
agency.

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Department of Agriculture (USDA)
grant funds.

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It is another
symbolic victory and the latest in a series of very positive developments for
those who are responsible for producing our nation's fresh fruits, vegetables
and nuts. We look forward to more good news for our industry in the coming
months and years. For more information, visit http://www. Ag Secretary Invites Eligible Seniors, WIC Participants to Redeem Vouchers

HARRISBURG, Pa.3 million in U.
In order to qualify, seniors must be 60 years of age and older and meet
income requirements during the program year.
Eligible state residents should contact their local Area Agency on Aging
or WIC agency for further information, including locations, dates and times of
check distribution .

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"The Farmers Market Nutrition Program exemplifies how Pennsylvania and the
federal government can work together to support local farmers and provide
fresh, nutritious produce for residents," said Wolff."
According to Wolff, the program is a $5.'

CONTACT: Michael Smith
(717) 787-5085

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The timing of this funding is also perfect with the
recent renewed focus on nutrition and the role of fruits, nuts and vegetables
in our diet.pa.

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Western Growers Announces Historic Funding for Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act

, The U.2 million joint effort funded
through a $2 million contribution from the commonwealth, $1.

fruits pears

com.

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This is just the first step in the
implementation of this very positive legislation and, we believe, a harbinger
of many good things to come for our sector of agriculture.S. Those interested in enrolling as a participating farm ,
farmers market or roadside stand should visit
http://www.

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pears onions

Similarly, they do not include citrus or tropical
fruits, such as bananas, oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangerines,
pineapple or mangos.

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The Act was signed by President Bush in December and is designed to
boost the nation 's fresh produce industry through block grants to state
departments of agriculture. The fresh produce industry does not receive any direct
federal farm subsidy money.wga.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Opens

9 million from the
federal WIC program, and $1.

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5 million annually
for five years to enhance the competitiveness, both domestically and
internationally, of American fresh produce. "It's a
signal from Washington that policy makers understand the tremendous value of
this sector of agriculture and will take the steps necessary to protect and
foster this industry.

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From June 1 through November 30, eligible seniors, and Women, Infant and
Children (WIC) participants can redeem vouchers for fresh produce at
participating farms, farmers markets and roadside stands.

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The appropriations money comes in the form of indirect aid
through the states."
The Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act authorizes $54. More than 230,000 people statewide receive assistance through
FMNP.

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Only crops grown in Pennsylvania are eligible.

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The funding will be used to enhance the industry
through technical assistance, research, promotion, education and related
initiatives.us and click on 'Producers.

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"This is a great day for our industry," said Tom Nassif, president of
Western Growers."

Western Growers is an agricultural trade association whose 3,000 members
grow, pack and ship 90 percent of the fresh vegetables and nearly 70 percent
of the fresh fruit and nuts grown in Arizona and California, about one-half of
the nation's fresh produce.

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House Appropriations Committee Authorizes Initial $7 Million to Implement
New Law and Recognize Critical Importance of Nation's Fresh Produce Industry

IRVINE, Calif.
"The implementation of the Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act is a giant
leap forward for the people who have dedicated their lives to providing the
world 's best quality fruits, nuts and vegetables," said Nassif.

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Features of the Act include
research to improve produce quality; development of new crop protection tools;
creation of pest management systems; quantification of the clean air benefits
of produce crops; research on the impact of foreign pest and disease and
effective solutions. The income requirement for a
single person is $17,705, while couples can earn no more than $23,736 (based
on total income). Generally, pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum women, and children
ages three and four qualify.

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"It's a win-win
situation for all involved.

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"It marks not only the beginning of implementation of the
historic Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act, it also signals the continuing
recognition of the critical importance of the fresh produce industry to
agriculture and the nation's economy., Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff
today announced the start of the 2005 Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP).

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S. House Appropriations
Committee today authorized seven million dollars as a first step to implement
the landmark Specialty Crop Competitiveness Act which became law late last
year. There are more than 825 FMNP participating farmers at 469 farm
stands and 156 farmers markets across the state.agriculture.state.