Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) has put forth two proposals that are well-liked by both parties to advance the domestic specialty crop industry in California. By making technology and resources available to specialty crop producers, the Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion Program Act and the Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act hope to help them expand their markets and maintain their competitiveness. Over 50% of the country’s fresh produce is grown in California, but supply chain problems, COVID-19, and drought have made it harder for these growers to supply the country’s eateries with food.
The California Table Grape Commission and the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) shared leadership of the initiative to increase domestic promotion of the specialty crop sector in the United States. The Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA would run a program akin to the well-liked Market Access Program (MAP) under the Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion Program Act. It would assist specialty crop growers in marketing their products to get access to American markets.
The Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act makes high-priced automation technology more affordable for producers by establishing a cost-sharing scheme based on reimbursement, which would enable growers and processors to make greater investments in time- and money-saving equipment. You can read the full bill here.
