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Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to fund and contract with eligible U.S. trade organizations to assess needs and deliver training and technical assistance that strengthen infrastructure and cold-chain systems in new and developing foreign markets so U.S. agricultural commodities are less likely to be damaged or lost. It authorizes $1,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2026–2030 for these activities and limits use of the funds to the specified assessments, training, and technical-help activities, with unused amounts available for the program's broader existing activities.
Insufficient infrastructure capabilities are one of the largest limits to growing export markets for United States food and agriculture products.
Current trade programs focus on promoting specific commodities or products, and those programs rely on a functioning supply chain.
There is a need for dedicated resources to focus on supply chain enhancement in developing countries to help market expansion and diversification.
Each year, billions of tons of fresh and frozen food products and millions of dollars’ worth of United States exports are lost because of poor cold chain systems in developing markets.
Strengthening global infrastructure helps promote trade, reduce food loss and waste, and improve nutrition.
Primary impacts: U.S. agricultural producers and exporters may see modest improvements in market access and reduced product loss in targeted developing markets if assessments and training address key handling and cold-chain gaps. Eligible U.S. trade organizations and nonprofits will be the principal implementers and contractors, receiving federal contracts to conduct assessments and deliver training. Target countries and their agricultural communities and private-sector handlers could benefit from improved infrastructure knowledge and practices, which can reduce post-harvest loss and improve local food quality and nutrition. USDA will carry administrative responsibility for contracting and oversight under the Agricultural Trade Act framework. Fiscal impact: the bill authorizes $1 million per year (FY2026–2030), a limited sum relative to infrastructure investment needs, so the program is likely to fund targeted technical assistance, pilot projects, or capacity-building activities rather than large capital projects. Risks and constraints: success depends on effective partner selection, coordination with other donors and local authorities, and whether small-scale technical assistance can be translated into durable infrastructure upgrades or sustained operational improvements.
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FRIDGE Act of 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced March 25, 2025 by James E. Banks · Last progress March 25, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced in Senate