Jasper Packard: “I rise in support of H.R. 4101, The Agriculture Appropriations Act of 1999. I want to specifically acknowledge the…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4101, The Agriculture Appropriations Act of 1999. I want to specifically acknowledge the provision which allots $1 million for pesticide and crop disease research. This will directly benefit Southern California floriculture and nursery crop producers. With over 20 percent of the total agriculture share, California farmers rank first in the nation in overall production of nursery products. I want to make sure California farmers have every tool available to continue leading the nation. The research this legislation provides is truly what every California grower can support; higher production that's environmentally friendly. This research can positively impact rural and suburban economies, and increase international competitiveness by helping prevent the spread of pests and diseases among nursery and floriculture crops. Growers in my community made the need for this research very clear. Much of their own success has been a direct result of similar research. Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend Mr. Skeen for once again producing an Agriculture Appropriations bill that is beneficial for the American farmer. He has done a fabulous job meeting the needs of our nation's agriculturalists. Farming is still one of the toughest jobs in America. Our nation's farmers can put in a 40 hour work week by Tuesday noon and I want to make sure that is not forgotten here in Washington.”