Skip to main content

Appropriations Bill Extends Peanut Storage and Handling Program

March 1, 2007

Washington, D.C. Congressman Sanford Bishop, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee announced that the proposed FY 2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill contains language to provide $74 million for the payment of storage, handling and other associated costs for the 2007 crop of peanuts.

“I know this has been the number-one concern of the Peanut Industry and I am very pleased that my colleagues supported an extension of the peanut storage and handling fee program. Omitting this provision from the bill could have proven disastrous for most of the peanut growers and processors in the Second Congressional District,” Congressman Bishop said. “This program is extremely vital to one of Georgia’s most important commodities -- peanuts.”

Without the action of Congress, growers would have been forced to absorb the storage costs and would have greatly diminished their margin of their return, causing tremendous economic hardship.

“Agriculture literally forms the backbone of Southwest Georgia and the proposed legislation will go a long way to ensuring its continued strength,” said Congressman Bishop.

The bill is expected to be approved by the House Appropriations Committee on March 15, 2007.