A bipartisan group led by Representative Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, has introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act.
The Press Democrat reports the bill aims to provide direct financial assistance to winemakers and specialty crop growers who have suffered economic losses due to tariffs. Proponents argue the current federal aid package does not adequately cover the wine industry’s mounting costs and lost export revenue.
If passed, the aid would be distributed through the USDA to help producers stay competitive.
The bill’s authors plan to push for its inclusion in the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations.
