WASHINGTON (FNS) -- An extension on the phaseout of the fumigant methyl bromide, along with issues of market access and immigration reform, topped the agenda of members of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association in visits to Capitol Hill last week.
With just days left in the 104th Congress, there is little chance that any of United's agenda will be advanced, yet the visits gave the industry a chance to educate legislators, it was explained. Congress is expected to adjourn at the end of the month to campaign for November elections.
"It's never too late to be lobbying," said Jackie Caplan Wiggins, vice president of Frieda's, Los Alamitos, Calif. "We know these things won't be resolved this year, but at least they'll be better prepared next year."
Wiggins was one of 140 people from Alexandria, Va.-based United who visited more than 30 members of the House and Senate and their staffs during the two-day public policy conference here last week. It was especially important for the growers, shippers, wholesalers and allied suppliers to meet with representatives and senators who aren't from agricultural districts or who aren't on the agricultural committees, because those legislators don't understand the issues, Wiggins said.
The personal visits are more effective than post cards or phone calls, according to Wiggins. "I have a new-found respect for lobbyists," she said. "A lot goes into getting a bill passed."
The industry is seeking an extension of a planned phaseout of methyl bromide, a fumigant used to eliminate soil-borne pests in fields, on export products and on processing equipment, such as in the baking industry. It has been categorized as an ozone depleter and is subject to elimination in the United States in 2001 under the Clean Air Act. It also is subject to phaseout under the international Montreal Protocol.
