Bill > S1119

This bill, known as the FRIDGE Act of 2025, aims to address infrastructure challenges that limit the growth of U.S. agricultural exports in developing countries. The legislation recognizes that insufficient infrastructure, particularly in cold chain systems (refrigeration and transportation networks for perishable goods), leads to significant food loss and prevents market expansion. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into contracts with trade organizations to provide technical assistance in foreign markets, including needs assessments, training, and support for infrastructure improvements like cold chain capacity and port developments. Specifically, the bill allocates $1,000,000 annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts, with the goal of reducing food waste, promoting trade, and helping U.S. agricultural commodities reach international markets more effectively. The legislation is based on findings that billions of tons of food products and millions of dollars in exports are currently lost due to poor infrastructure in developing markets, and that strengthening global infrastructure can play a crucial role in improving trade and nutrition.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1119/all-info