This bill creates a new federal program to compensate farmers who grow perishable crops such as fresh vegetables and fruits when imports drive down domestic prices. Starting in 2027, the Department of Agriculture will make annual payments to eligible producers in regions with seasonal crops if the national market price falls below a reference price that is based on the average price from the previous three years, but only when imports are determined to be the cause of the price decline. Payments are calculated by multiplying the difference between the reference price and actual market price by the producer's average production over the previous three years. To qualify, farmers must have an average adjusted gross income below five million dollars over the prior three years or derive at least seventy-five percent of their income from farming activities. The program applies to fresh specialty crops including vegetables, melons, berries, and tree fruits that are normally sold within eight weeks of harvest.
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