WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing trade barriers affecting exports of U.S. specialty crops, according to a Feb. 25 press release.
The measure, titled the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act, or Specialty CROP Act, is intended to modify and expand the scope of the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report. Lawmakers say the goal is to provide more detailed information on foreign tariffs, labeling requirements, and other trade barriers that affect exports of fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticultural and nursery crops.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives David Valadao, R-California, and Suzanne Bonamici, D-Oregon.
According to the release, the bill would require greater participation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative in compiling the annual report and would call for the identification of specific tariff and non-tariff barriers in individual markets. The legislation also would require the report to assess whether identified barriers are covered under existing free trade agreements or international agreements and to detail actions taken or expected by the U.S. government to address those barriers.
The proposal would mandate a public comment period and input from the Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. It would also require the report to be made public while allowing for a classified annex to address national security or economic strategy concerns.
The bill maintains the existing federal definition of “specialty crop,” which includes fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture.
In addition to Crapo and Wyden, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jim Risch, R-Idaho; Angus King, I-Maine; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Maria Cantwell, D-Washington; and Elissa Slotkin, D-Michigan.
Agricultural industry groups, including the North American Blueberry Council, Northwest Horticultural Council, and National Potato Council, expressed support for the measure in statements included in the release.
The text of the legislation and a one-page summary are available through the Senate Finance Committee, according to the release.
