House Preserves Ag Export Programs

The U.S. House of Representatives Friday voted to keep spending millions of dollars in the coming year on two agricultural export programs important to wheat and apple growers.

Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash., said the House approved $800 million for the Export Enhancement Program, same as last year, and $110 million for the Market Promotion Program, down from $116 million.

Both faced amendments to be eliminated or greatly reduced in fiscal 1996, which begins in October.

EEP promotes wheat export sales, while MPP funds marketing campaigns for apples and other U.S. commodities sold overseas.

As expected, funding for a new wheat breeding greenhouse at Washington State University was denied.

“Eastern Washington agriculture fared well,” Nethercutt said. “We got continuing research projects, but we didn’t get the buildings. I’m sorry about that.”

Senate approval is required on the House action.

, DataTimes