WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) issued the following statement ahead of the House Agriculture Committee’s markup of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 on March 3.
“IFPA thanks House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson for advancing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and including critical provisions that recognize the unique needs of specialty crop producers.
“In partnership with the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, we have long advocated for a dedicated emergency structure tailored to the distinct production risks and market realities facing fruit, vegetable, tree nut, horticulture, and nursery growers. The proposed first-ever Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework would establish clear parameters for delivering timely and targeted economic assistance while ensuring specialty crops are no longer reliant on programs designed primarily for other crops.
“Growers are facing unprecedented, ongoing economic pressure, including persistent labor shortages, rising input costs, and supply chain volatility. This framework would provide much-needed predictability and a dependable pathway for assistance when it is most needed. Strong specialty crop policy is also central to strengthening America’s nutrition security, as specialty crop producers supply the fresh fruits and vegetables that people need to maintain healthy diets. Ensuring their economic sustainability protects local communities, supports domestic food production, and advances public health.
“IFPA supports the Chairman’s mark, especially the timely Specialty Crop Emergency Assistance Framework, and hopes to see the Committee advance a strong, five-year farm bill that delivers certainty, stability, and fairness for specialty crop growers nationwide.”
