Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion and Development Program Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5059
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T08:07:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 5059: Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion and Development Program Act of 2025
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill aims to support the growth of U.S. markets for specialty crops (such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts) by creating a federal grant program. The goal is to encourage organizations to promote and expand sales of domestically produced specialty crops within the United States.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Grant Program Establishment: The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Agricultural Marketing Service, must create a program to award grants to eligible organizations for implementing domestic marketing plans focused on specialty crops.
- Application Requirements: Organizations must submit an application, a detailed marketing plan describing promotion activities and goals, and a certification that federal funds will supplement (not replace) non-federal funding.
- Matching Funds: Recipients must provide at least 25% in non-federal matching funds (which can include in-kind support), with the Secretary able to adjust this based on justification.
- Multiyear Grants and Oversight: Grants may span multiple years, with annual reviews to ensure compliance. The Secretary can terminate grants for non-compliance, inadequate progress, or insufficient contribution of resources.
- Evaluations and Audits: The Secretary must monitor expenditures and evaluate effectiveness starting 15 months after the first grant. Independent audits may be required if further review is needed.
- Restrictions on Fund Use: Funds cannot support promotion of foreign products or direct aid to large for-profit corporations (with exceptions for cooperatives, certain associations, and nonprofits).
- Funding Authorization: $75,000,000 is authorized annually starting in fiscal year 2026, with some funds available for administrative costs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
The bill amends the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 by adding a new Section 204. This introduces a dedicated domestic market promotion grant program, which did not previously exist under the Act. It shifts focus toward U.S.-based marketing efforts with specific eligibility rules, matching requirements, and oversight mechanisms.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Agricultural Marketing Service would handle program administration, grant reviews, evaluations, and audits, potentially increasing workload and requiring new operational procedures.
- On Citizens: U.S. specialty crop producers and related businesses could see expanded domestic sales opportunities. Consumers might benefit from greater availability or awareness of American-grown products, though impacts would depend on program implementation.
- On International Relations: The bill has minimal direct effects, as it focuses exclusively on domestic markets and prohibits funds from promoting foreign products; however, it could indirectly influence trade dynamics by prioritizing U.S. commodities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Eligible organizations, including U.S. agricultural trade groups, state agencies, cooperatives, private promoters of specialty crops, and groups operating under federal marketing orders.
- Specialty crop farmers, producers, and industry associations.
- The USDA and related federal agencies responsible for oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The legislation establishes clear federal authority for grants with built-in accountability measures like audits and terminations, operating within existing agricultural statutes.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues, as it falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce and support agriculture.
- Political: Introduced with bipartisan support in the House, the bill emphasizes domestic economic development in agriculture without altering broader trade policies.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
- 2025-08-26: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-08-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion and Development Program Act of 2025 — issued 2025-08-26 — PDF (8 pages)