Bill > HR6496

This bill establishes a direct payment program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide financial assistance to specialty crop growers and wine producers who have experienced economic losses due to increased tariff burdens from foreign countries starting January 20, 2025. The program will offer payments to cover various types of losses, including increased production costs, reduced exports, lost export revenue, and cancelled contracts resulting from tariffs. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to administer the program similar to an existing Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program and may also purchase surplus crops (except wine grapes) for distribution through nutrition assistance programs like school breakfast and lunch programs and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The bill defines key terms such as "specialty crops" (which includes wine grapes), "wine," and "wine producer," and requires the Secretary to provide annual reports to Congress detailing the payments distributed and surplus crops purchased. The program is funded for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with up to 1 percent of allocated funds available for administrative costs. The goal is to provide economic relief to agricultural producers impacted by international trade barriers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6496/all-info