WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) today introduced the Fairness for Fruits and Vegetables Act. This bipartisan bill would create more mechanisms to address unfair trade practices and prevent American specialty crop producers from being undercut.
“From wild blueberry and potato growers to apple and maple syrup producers, Maine’s specialty crop farmers contribute enormously to our state’s economy and culture,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would instruct federal agencies to work together to monitor and address unfair trade practices that disadvantage these industries. By improving coordination and oversight, our bill would help protect farmers who produce specialty crops from the market disruptions that threaten their livelihoods.”
“Our food supply is nothing without our specialty crops, like blueberries, cherries, and asparagus, so many of which are grown in Michigan. Specialty crop producers across the country are essential to feeding both our nation and the world,” said Senator Slotkin. “Because these crops face unique challenges, they deserve policies tailored to their realities. 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 form an interagency working group between the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Department of Commerce, and other federal agencies to monitor the trade data for seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables needed to level the playing field for American producers. As a result, this bill would establish a body for producers and trade associations to give input to on unfair trade practices.
The complete text of the bill can be read here.
Earlier this week, Senator Collins also sent a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the Department to provide disaster assistance to Maine’s specialty crop and livestock producers. In her letter, Senator Collins highlighted the serious toll that extreme weather, high production costs, and labor shortages have taken on Maine’s wild blueberry, apple, and livestock producers. She called on the USDA to ensure that these producers are included in any federal relief efforts.
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