California farmers are closely watching the discussions involving nutrition programs, conservation and invasive pest eradication.
California farm groups are encouraging the senate to support air quality programs that help farmers with projects to meet federal, state and local air regulations.
The Senate voted to begin the debate last week. The vote opens the way for what could be several weeks of attempts to change the bill.
The 5-year farm and food bill would overhaul US agriculture policy and end direct payments to growers.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ag experts say packaged berries are bringing in the highest revenue in the produce section.
Fruit growing is expanding across the U.S. and Mexico and trade is getting easier between the two countries.
Ag officials say berries contributed almost 8 percent of the total produce dollars in the U.S. last year.
Officials say there's an increased demand for blueberries because of the publicized health benefits associated with the fruit.
