Are catfish in the same food group as kumquats?

Strange as it may seem, that question came up Thursday during the Senate Agriculture Committee markup of the farm law reauthorization. A provision was considered that would allow aquaculture projects to qualify for research money normally set aside for the produce industry or specialty crop growers.

Under the language, “anyone can say, ‘I’m special,’ ” observed Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., who offered her own amendment that would clarify the definition of specialty crops to include only fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruit and other plant products.

But Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, said he thinks the definition should be more wide-ranging. “We have horticulture, floriculture, tree nuts,” he said. “Fish are nutritious. Why not aquaculture?”

Despite Harkin’s defense, which drew chuckles all around the room, Stabenow’s amendment was adopted by voice vote.

It was unclear who requested adding fish to the specialty crop category. But several panel members spoke on behalf of catfish and trout farmers, and Harkin promised to look out for the needs of the fish farm industry in other parts of the bill.