Bill would boost farm export aid and funding through 2031

What does this do?

This bill amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to let USDA fund foreign infrastructure improvements like cold storage and ports, require a more detailed biennial report on specialty crop competitiveness, and increase funding for trade promotion programs through 2031. It also repeals two outdated legal provisions.

Who does it affect?

American farmers, ranchers, and exporters—especially in fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop industries—are affected, along with trade organizations, nonprofits facilitating exports, and congressional agriculture and trade committees.

Why does it matter?

The changes expand federal involvement in overseas infrastructure and reporting requirements, while committing significantly higher long-term funding levels to agricultural export promotion.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Infrastructure aid capped at $1.5m in 2027
• Then capped at $5m per year
• Total funding hits $533m yearly by 2028-2031