FRIDGE Act of 2025
FRIDGE Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# FRIDGE Act of 2025 Summary The FRIDGE Act (Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act) would expand a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to help develop refrigeration and storage infrastructure in developing countries. The bill aims to prevent American agricultural products from spoiling during export by funding technical assistance projects—such as needs assessments, training, and infrastructure improvements—in foreign markets. This includes upgrading cold storage facilities and ports in these countries to better handle U.S. agricultural commodities. The bill primarily affects U.S.
farmers and agricultural exporters, as well as developing nations that receive assistance. It would work through existing trade organizations that partner with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) to provide expertise and support. The underlying goal is to reduce barriers to U.S. agricultural exports and create new market opportunities by ensuring foreign infrastructure can properly handle American products from farm to consumer. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025 or the FRIDGE Act of 2025 This bill expands the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program to include funding for technical assistance for infrastructure-related projects to ensure U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies in new and developing markets. This Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) program funds projects that address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities.Specifically, the bill directs FAS to enter into contracts or other agreements with trade organizations to enhance the infrastructure capabilities (including cold chain capacity and port improvements) in new and developing foreign markets through needs assessments, training, and other technical assistance.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.