WASHINGTON, DC - Last week on November 9, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is initiating new efforts to increase competitiveness in the U.S. specialty crops sector.

The initiatives were announced as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to build new and better markets that catalyze opportunities for American farmers, a press release explained.

Following the announcement, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) released a statement applauding this necessary commitment.

"The International Fresh Produce Association applauds this administration’s commitment to prioritizing the specialty crops industry at USDA," the organization said in a release. "This type of whole-of-the-agency approach is long overdue to better address the challenges and opportunities the fresh produce industry faces daily as we strive to nourish the world with our products."

"We look forward to working hand in hand with USDA to build meaningful programs that further drive the industry forward and make our nutritious products even more competitive in global marketplace," the release continued. "IFPA is committed to building markets and increasing consumption of fresh produce to improve health and well-being for all."

Over the next several months, USDA will engage directly with the specialty crop industry and producers to gain feedback on how it can better address gaps in services and better meet the industry’s needs.

To view the full announcement, click here.

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International Fresh Produce Association