U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Elissa Slotkin have introduced the Fairness for Fruits and Vegetables Act, a bipartisan proposal aimed at strengthening oversight of trade practices that affect U.S. specialty crop producers. The bill seeks to enhance coordination among federal agencies to monitor and address unfair competition in global markets.

Senator Collins said the legislation would help protect Maine's specialty crop sectors, including wild blueberries, potatoes, apples, and maple syrup, which play an important role in the state's economy. "This bipartisan legislation would instruct federal agencies to work together to monitor and address unfair trade practices that disadvantage these industries," she said. "By improving coordination and oversight, our bill would help protect farmers who produce specialty crops from the market disruptions that threaten their livelihoods."

Senator Slotkin noted that specialty crops such as blueberries, cherries, and asparagus are central to Michigan's agricultural sector. "Because these crops face unique challenges, they deserve policies tailored to their realities," she said. "This legislation and new working group will strengthen connections and coordination between federal agencies and ensure specialty crop producers are getting a fair deal."

The Fairness for Fruits and Vegetables Act would create an interagency working group that includes representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce, and other relevant agencies. The group would analyze trade data for seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables and identify patterns that could disadvantage U.S. growers. The bill would also provide a formal platform for producers and trade associations to submit information on unfair trade practices affecting their industries.

Earlier this week, Senator Collins sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging additional disaster assistance for Maine's specialty crop and livestock producers. The letter cited the impact of extreme weather, high production costs, and labor shortages on sectors such as wild blueberries, apples, and livestock. She requested that these producers be included in upcoming federal relief programs.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com