The 'FRIDGE Act' Authorizes $1 Million Annually to Upgrade Foreign Cold Storage, Boosting US Farm Exports

The Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025—mercifully nicknamed the FRIDGE Act—is banking on a simple idea: American farmers can sell a lot more food overseas if that food doesn't spoil before it gets to the shelf. This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to spend money specifically on improving cold storage, port facilities, and handling systems in foreign markets. Starting in fiscal year 2026 and running through 2030, Congress is authorizing $1 million annually to fund this technical assistance. The core purpose is to fix the weakest link in the supply chain so U.S. agricultural products can reach consumers in new or growing markets without turning into compost along the way.

Why We’re Building Better Freezers Overseas

If you’ve ever had a package delayed or seen a fresh food delivery go bad, you know the supply chain is everything. The FRIDGE Act acknowledges that current U.S. trade programs focus heavily on promoting specific products but overlook the basic logistics needed to move those products globally. The bill’s findings section points out that billions of tons of fresh and frozen goods are wasted annually because the infrastructure—especially refrigeration—in many foreign markets just isn't up to par. For American farmers and food producers, this means lost revenue and limited access to new customers. The FRIDGE Act aims to fix this by sending technical help and training to foreign trade groups to upgrade their systems, ensuring U.S. exports stay fresh and viable.

The Million-Dollar Question: Who Benefits?

This legislation is a clear win for the U.S. agricultural sector. If you’re a farmer, rancher, or work in food processing, better infrastructure abroad means a bigger potential customer base and less risk of product loss, which could translate into more stable prices and higher export volumes. The bill specifies that the USDA will provide this technical assistance through agreements with trade groups. This detail is important because it means the government isn't building the facilities itself; it’s funding the expertise and training needed for local groups to improve their own systems. While the intent is solid, the bill is a bit vague on how the USDA will select which foreign markets or trade groups get this aid, which could leave the door open for political influence if not carefully managed.

The Fine Print on Funding

While $1 million per year for five years sounds like a targeted investment, it’s worth watching how the money flows. This funding is specifically authorized for improving foreign infrastructure related to U.S. commodities. However, the bill includes a provision that any authorized funds not spent on this specific infrastructure work can still be used for the broader existing trade promotion program. This means if the USDA struggles to find viable infrastructure projects, the money won't necessarily be lost, but it could dilute the core mission of the FRIDGE Act—which is fixing the cold chain, not just doing more general marketing. Ultimately, this bill is a strategic investment that aims to turn American farm surplus into global sales by addressing the practical, real-world issue of keeping food cold until it reaches the consumer.