March 27, 2009

Produce for Better Health Foundation

5341 Limestone Road

Wilmington, DE 19808

Dear SCRI Reviewer:

On behalf of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association this letter shows our support for the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant application, entitled, “The Intensity/Amount of Marketing Required to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption.”  Since 1991 PBH has worked to increase fruit and vegetable consumption to improve the health of all Americans.  GFVGA and our member companies have been strong supporters of their 5 A Day effort, which has since evolved into the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters campaign.

The farm gate value of fruits and vegetables in Georgia is over $1.2 billion.  Collectively fruit and vegetable production is Georgia’s number two agricultural crop.  Our association represents over 350 growers, shippers and suppliers of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables from Georgia and the southeast.   GFVGA’s mission is to represent our membership to improve production practices and increase consumption of Georgia grown fruits and vegetables.

Results from this grant would provide the industry and federal agencies an estimate of how much funding is needed nationally to have a significant impact on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption.  This information would be used to provide direction to PBH and the industry in the collective national effort to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.

We are supportive of the PBH grant application not only because it can help the specialty crop industry, but because it can help improve the health of the nation.

Sincerely,

Charles T. Hall, Jr.

Executive Director