In a speech to the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the United Fresh Produce Association, Johanns called the proposals clear evidence of commitment to equitable farm policy.
"We listened when producers told us that farm policy should distribute support more equitably. Specialty crops are now nearly equal in market value to program crops, yet these producers receive no direct cash support," said Johanns.
"Specialty crop producers made it clear they don't want a cash subsidy, but they would like additional support to address market promotion, sanitary and phytosanitary issues, nutrition, and targeted research. Our proposals provide that support with nearly $5bn worth of additional funding targeted toward specialty crop growers."
The proposal includes an additional $2.75bn funds over ten years, specifically for purchasing fruits and vegetables for US Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
Some $500m has been allocated, in mandatory funding, to the purchase of additional fruits and vegetables for these programs. This is part of an effort to help schools offer meals based on the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
In addition, a new five-year $20m competitive grant program is designed to address the growing problem of obesity among low-income Americans.
Regulated by the USDA and renewed every five to six years, farm bills are a collection of laws that set the overall direction of the nation's agriculture.
The legislation set out in a farm bill aims to provide a safe and affordable supply of food through programs that promote US agriculture. The bills typically contain provisions for commodity prices, agricultural trade and crop insurance, amongst others.
Other proposals highlighted by Johanns last week include establishing long-term mandatory funding of $15m to increase US presence at international standard-setting bodies, such as the Codex Alimentarius, the International Plant Protection Convention, and the World Animal Health Organization.
The bill also aims to enhance monitoring, analytical support, and other technical assistance in order to support US agriculture by bringing forward or responding to significant trade disputes and challenges. According to USDA, US specialty crop exports are sometimes threatened by trademark piracy in international markets and the agency's technical assistance could help to address these challenges.
USDA also plans to invest $1bn over ten years to establish a Specialty Crop Research Initiative. This will provide science-based tools that address the needs of specific crops and regions and which continue advancements in productivity and technology.
Johanns also said that in terms of trade, the Market Access Program (MAP) has proved effective at expanding markets for US agricultural products. While specialty crops are already significantly involved in this program, USDA proposes new mandatory funding of $250 million over ten years to help address the inequity between crops that are directly subsidized and those commodities that are not directly subsidized.
The 2007 farm bill aims to create a market-oriented farm program, considering more than commodity prices alone when determining the appropriate level of government support.
The new bill proposes to spend around $10bn less than the 2002 farm bill, with the largest single slice of the budget ($7.8bn) going towards increasing conservation programs that protect the natural environment.
The new farm bill also proposes to: focus on renewable energy research, development and production; support start-up farmers and socially disadvantaged farmers; strengthen disaster relief; and simplify and consolidate rural development programs.
