H.R. 2322: Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as the Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025, aims to enhance the infrastructure needed for the export of U.S. agricultural products, particularly focusing on the refrigeration capacity in foreign markets. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Background and Purpose

The bill identifies several important findings regarding U.S. agricultural exports:

Infrastructure Challenges: A major barrier to expanding U.S. agricultural exports is the lack of sufficient infrastructure, particularly in developing countries.
Focus on Supply Chain: Existing trade programs primarily promote specific commodities but do not address broader supply chain needs, which are essential for successful exports.
Importance of Cold Chain: Poor cold chain infrastructure leads to significant losses of fresh and frozen food products, hindering market growth.
Nutritional Value: Improving global infrastructure is crucial for promoting trade, reducing food waste, and enhancing nutrition.

Technical Assistance

The bill proposes to amend the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 by introducing provisions for technical assistance aimed at improving infrastructure in foreign markets. The key aspects include:

Partnerships: The Secretary of Agriculture will enter into agreements with eligible trade organizations to conduct needs assessments and provide training on enhancing infrastructure capabilities.
Focus Areas: The assistance will specifically target infrastructure related to cold chain capacity, port improvements, and other necessary enhancements for U.S. agricultural commodities.
Funding: The bill authorizes $1 million annually for fiscal years 2026 to 2030 to support these initiatives. This funding can only be used for the specific purposes outlined in the bill.

Overall, the bill seeks to ensure that U.S. agricultural products can reach foreign markets in better condition and with reduced losses due to infrastructure deficiencies.