Last week, the Senate Budget Committee recommended a 20% reduction in funding for the Market Access Program (MAP), which currently receives $200 million annually, down from the $300 million it received annually in the mid-1980s. The program provides USDA funding to support and promote U.S. agricultural products in current and potential export markets. Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for United Fresh released the following statement on Friday:

"Let me be clear, the fresh produce industry and our members have strongly supported the Market Access Program for over 20 years. The recommendations by the Administration and the Senate Budget Committee for MAP are clearly misguided in our overall agenda of expanding export opportunities. In fact, it is striking that at a time where we see a weakened economy in many sectors of business including agriculture and certain fresh produce commodities are currently facing targeted trade restrictions, the Senate Budget Committee would make such a counterproductive policy decision, disarming the fresh produce industry by taking away one of its most important export tools. Finally, we have heard cries from many both on and off Capitol Hill about not moving away from our Farm Bill commitments – it is time to live up to these commitments for the Market Access Program as well."

For more on United's policy efforts, visit www.unitedfresh.org.