Fruits Info

WASHINGTON - Growers of fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nursery crops will surely gain a larger share of the U.S. farm plan under a bill unveiled by 50 U.S. representatives on Wednesday.

The so-called Eat Healthy America bill will now require federal nutrition programs to use more fruits and vegetables, offer block grants to enlarge domestic markets, expand research into "specialty" crops and also encourage land stewardship.

The bill is backed by four dozen specialty-crop groups, as well as the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance.