WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and John Fetterman (D- Pa.) introduced the Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports (FRIDGE) Act. This legislation directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to secure contracts for needs assessments, training, and technical assistance to support infrastructure development, including cold chain storage, in emerging foreign markets. Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-4) led the bill in the House.
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) said, “Investing in supply chain infrastructure supports Hoosier farmers’ products and keeps America competitive. The bipartisan FRIDGE Act expands cold storage capacity, ensuring American agriculture reaches global markets without spoilage.”
Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) said, “From our poultry producers in Lancaster County to our dairy farmers in Berks County, we’re leaning on American farmers more than ever to keep food on our tables. The FRIDGE Act ensures our producers have the infrastructure and support they need to sell high-quality, American-grown products to our trading partners abroad. It’s not rocket science—the better tools our farmers have, the stronger our local communities and national economy will be. We get out what we put in, and now’s the time to invest in our farmers.”
The Fridge Act would:
- Expand the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program to include infrastructure support.
- Provide $1 million in annual funding from Fiscal Year 24-28.
- Return any unused funds to the central FMD budget.
- Maintain existing MAP/FMD funding, authorizations, and program activities.
Full bill text here.
Background:
In 2021, the top three markets for American pork – China, Japan, and Mexico – accounted for 63% of U.S. exports. That same year, the top three markets for beef – Japan, South Korea, and China – accounted for 60% of U.S. exports. These facts underscore the need to establish new markets to build a resilient supply chain for producers.
Read more about the FRIDGE Act here.
Supporting organizations
American Frozen Food Institute, Carrier, Controlled Environment Building Association, International Dairy Foods Association, International Institute of All-natural Refrigerants, Livestock Marketing Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Turkey Federation, North Central Poultry Association
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