WWI News

Press Release: Thompson, Newhouse, LaMalfa, Salinas, and Panetta introduce bill to deliver tariff relief for wine and specialty crop growers

December 8, 2025

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressional Wine Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), alongside Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, legislation to provide direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from tariffs.

“Farmers and wine producers in our district are being hit hard with rising costs at home and retaliatory tariffs abroad,” said Thompson. “Northern California agriculture feeds our country and fuels our local economy. When our producers are targeted with tariffs, families here at home feel it immediately. This bill gives them targeted relief they need to stay competitive. California’s agricultural and wine community are cornerstones of our local economies, from family farms to world-class producers. Ensuring they can weather sudden tariff hikes isn’t just an economic necessity, it’s a commitment to protecting the livelihoods that make our district and community special.”

“While many crops are struggling in farm country, specialty crops are at a breaking point,” said Newhouse. “For too long, specialty crops have been left out of the conversation when financial relief for farmers is on the table, and it is essential that we begin to balance the scales. This bipartisan legislation directs USDA to establish a program that delivers much needed relief to our producers who grow some of the highest quality specialty crops in the world. If we want to continue to boost our specialty crop industry, then the federal government must make it a priority when planning for financial assistance for farmers.”

“The agricultural economy is suffering, and dividing farm country isn’t the solution,” said LaMalfa. “Row crop and specialty crop growers in my district are struggling just alike, and this bill ensures all of farm country is supported. We can’t make Americans healthy again if we continue to let tree nut, fruit, and vegetable growers fall behind in bad years while only boosting the safety net for a limited number of crops. I appreciate Reps. Thompson, Newhouse, Salinas, and Panetta for joining me in leading this effort.”

“Oregon’s wine producers and specialty crop growers make world-class products, but as countries impose tariffs in response to Trump’s trade policies, our farmers are facing higher costs, shrinking export opportunities, and real economic pain,” said Salinas. “Specialty crops and wine producers have been harmed by tariffs just like row crops, and the federal government has a responsibility to provide equal relief. This bill ensures they get the support they need to weather the economic hardship tariffs have caused. Ultimately, we need to get rid of Trump’s barriers to trade so our world-class products can truly be enjoyed all over the world, but in the meantime, Congress must step up to help our farmers where the Trump Administration has failed them.”

“This Administration’s tariff policy has significantly impacted farmers of all types of crops from all across the country,” said Panetta. “That’s why as proud representatives of regions that produce specialty crops, we must ensure that that type of agriculture is protected and included in any relief type of package. Our bipartisan Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act will provide specialty crop farmers with the direct payments program that’s needed to ensure that they continue to play a vital part of our nation’s agriculture.”

BACKGROUND

Our specialty crop growers and wine producers rely on robust export markets around our world. With the enactment of new tariffs and trade barriers, our agricultural communities have suffered significant losses. Foreign competitors are filling the gap left by declining U.S. exports, strengthening their position while American producers are struggling with new market uncertainties.

This key agricultural sector is experiencing significant volatility, raising prices and reduced competitiveness. Producers are facing significant challenges accessing once reliable markets and seeing input costs skyrocket. This legislation would provide much needed relief to this key agricultural sector and ensure they are provided the financial resources necessary to whether the current market while Congress does its work to negotiate and implement trade agreements.

The Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act will support our local growers and producers by:

– Creating a direct pay program through USDA for specialty crop growers and wine producers experiencing “covered losses” caused by increased foreign tariffs.
– Allows USDA to purchase surplus specialty crops for use in nutrition programs such as school meals and SNAP.
– Authorizes funds to be made available through 2030.

Second Substitute House Bill 1515 creates new authorizations that temporarily expand alcohol service through December 31, 2027. This includes

– Expanded outdoor alcohol services for certain types of licensees (including wineries)
– Civic Campus Events in cities with a population of at least 220,000
– FIFA World Cup 2026, Fan Zones and Host City: Effective June – July 2026

Click Here to Learn More on These Expanded Alcohol Services Options