Growers urge Congress to shore up market access as tariffs and foreign competition bite
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Summary
Growers and trade groups told the committee that tariffs, trade uncertainty and non‑tariff barriers are squeezing specialty crop exporters and domestic producers; they asked for increased market‑development funding, trade enforcement and domestic promotion to boost demand.
WASHINGTON — Specialty crop representatives and state officials urged Congress to stabilize trade policy and expand market access funding, saying tariffs and non‑tariff barriers are disrupting exports and pressuring growers’ margins.
Dana Brennan of Grimway Farms said the sector is "competing with lower cost imports and processed alternatives" and asked Congress to "reaffirm that the USDA does indeed have the statutory authority to conduct domestic promotion activities," to increase consumption and defend domestic producers. Multiple witnesses welcomed HR 1’s increases to market development programs and the doubling of funds to marketing assistance mechanisms.
Why it matters: Specialty crops depend heavily on both domestic and international markets; export disruptions and tariff uncertainty affect prices growers receive and long‑term market stability. Michigan Director Tim Boring said export access is "really gonna be critical for our ongoing success." Witnesses and members urged more funding for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development (FMD) funds, and stronger trade enforcement against excessive residue standards and other non‑tariff barriers.
Supporting details: Witnesses asked Congress to prioritize reauthorization and predictable funding for MAP and FMD, and to clarify USDA authority for domestic promotion to help grow demand in schools and institutions. Members suggested pairing export facilitation with domestic promotion and procurement initiatives to create more consistent demand.
Discussion versus action: The committee flagged HR 1’s recent market funding increases as welcome, asked USDA for steady program guidance, and encouraged stronger trade enforcement. No new trade legislation was enacted at the hearing.
Ending: Growers asked Congress to combine trade enforcement, export funding, and domestic promotion so specialty crop producers can compete and maintain stable supply chains.