S. 1119: Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025 (or the FRIDGE Act), aims to enhance infrastructure in foreign markets to better support the export of U.S. agricultural products. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Purpose

The main goal of the FRIDGE Act is to tackle infrastructure deficiencies in developing countries that hinder the export of U.S. agricultural commodities. The bill recognizes that:

• Inadequate infrastructure limits the growth of export markets for U.S. food and agriculture products.
• Many current trade programs focus narrowly on specific commodities without addressing overall supply chain issues.
• There is a substantial need for resources dedicated to improving supply chains in developing nations.
• A significant amount of food products and monetary value is lost each year due to poor cold chain systems.
• Strengthening global infrastructure can help promote trade, reduce food waste, and improve nutrition.

Technical Assistance Provision

The bill amends a section of the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to include provisions for technical assistance aimed at improving infrastructure. This includes:

• The Secretary of Agriculture will establish contracts or agreements with eligible trade organizations to perform:
• Needs assessments to identify infrastructure gaps.
• Training and other forms of technical assistance to boost infrastructure capabilities.
• Improvements in areas such as cold chain capacity and port facilities.
• These efforts aim to reduce the damage or loss of U.S. agricultural commodities resulting from infrastructure deficiencies.

Funding

The bill authorizes an appropriation of $1,000,000 each year from fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the outlined programs. This funding is specifically dedicated to infrastructure improvement and cannot be diverted for other purposes.

Conclusion of Summary

The FRIDGE Act is designed to bolster the export of U.S. agricultural goods by addressing specific infrastructure challenges in developing markets, helping to prevent waste and loss of U.S. food products.

Relevant Companies

• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland) - As a major player in agricultural commodities, ADM could see increased opportunities for its products in international markets due to improved infrastructure.
• SYY (Sysco Corporation) - Sysco, being a food service distributor, may benefit from enhanced cold chain logistics and infrastructure improvements in foreign markets.