Feenstra Introduces FRIDGE Act to Support Global Export of Perishable Agricultural Goods

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) has introduced the Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports (FRIDGE) Act to enhance cold chain infrastructure in emerging markets. The bill aims to help Iowa and U.S. agricultural producers export perishable commodities, such as beef, pork, and poultry, by addressing the lack of refrigeration facilities abroad.

The FRIDGE Act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to negotiate contracts for needs assessments, training, and technical assistance focused on constructing infrastructure, including cold storage, in developing foreign markets. The legislation would also add a new section to the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program to support this initiative.

To fund the program, the bill authorizes $1,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2024 to 2028. Unused funds will revert to the general FMD budget to benefit all U.S. producers and exporters.

“Opening new export markets for our farmers helps increase demand for Iowa agricultural commodities and puts more money in the pockets of our producers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Goods like Iowa-raised beef, pork, turkeys, chickens, and other perishable products face barriers to foreign markets because of a significant lack of cold-chain storage and other refrigeration infrastructure.”

Feenstra emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements at ports and abroad to reduce spoilage and increase global market access. He also cited his role on the House Ways and Means Committee as an opportunity to support trade deals that broaden export opportunities.

The Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA) has endorsed the legislation. “One of the biggest barriers to increasing trade in emerging markets is the lack of cold chain capacity,” said Sara Stickler, GCCA President and CEO. “The FRIDGE Act would strengthen the ability of these markets to safely and efficiently receive high-quality U.S. perishable commodities, creating new trade opportunities, improving food security and nutrition, and reducing food loss and waste.”

In 2021, China, Japan, and Mexico accounted for 63% of U.S. pork exports, while Japan, South Korea, and China made up 60% of beef exports. These figures highlight the reliance on a limited number of markets and the need to diversify export destinations to strengthen supply chain resilience.

The legislation is co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Salud Carbajal (D-CA). Senators Jim Banks (R-IN) and John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Legislative text can be found HERE.