Summary of HR 5097: Agricultural Marketing Act Amendment
Bill Number: HR 5097
Introduced: September 02, 2025
Status: Introduced in House
Primary Sponsor: David G. Valadao
Cosponsors: Josh Harder, Doug LaMalfa, Julia Brownley, Jim Costa, Jimmy Panetta
Purpose and Intent
HR 5097 aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop producers in the United States by establishing a grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. This program will provide financial assistance to eligible entities for acquiring mechanized or automated systems and tools, as well as training on their effective use.
Key Provisions
The bill introduces several important provisions:
Grant Program Establishment:
- The Secretary of Agriculture will create a program to award grants to eligible entities engaged in the commercial production of specialty crops.
Use of Grant Funds:
- Funds from the grants must be used for:
- Acquiring mechanized or automated systems and tools that enhance efficiency or reduce labor.
- Providing training and professional services necessary for the effective deployment and operation of the acquired systems and tools.
Matching Funds Requirement:
- Grant recipients are required to provide non-Federal matching funds equal to at least 50% of the grant amount.
Definition of Eligible Entities:
- An eligible entity is defined as any individual or organization involved in the commercial production of specialty crops in the U.S.
Types of Equipment Covered:
- The bill specifies a wide range of mechanized or automated systems and tools, including but not limited to:
- Low dust harvesting tools
- Sorting machines
- Drones for monitoring
- Precision irrigation automation
- Robotic systems for various agricultural tasks
Impact
The implementation of HR 5097 is expected to:
- Support Specialty Crop Producers: By providing financial resources and training, the bill aims to improve the operational efficiency of specialty crop producers, making them more competitive in the market.
- Encourage Technological Adoption: The focus on mechanization and automation may lead to increased adoption of advanced agricultural technologies, potentially improving productivity and sustainability in the sector.
- Economic Growth: By enhancing the capabilities of specialty crop producers, the bill could contribute to economic growth in rural areas where these crops are primarily produced.
Procedural Aspects
- Committee Referral: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture on the same day it was introduced.
- Next Steps: Further actions will depend on the committee's review and recommendations, which may lead to discussions, amendments, or a vote in the House.
This summary provides an overview of HR 5097, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impact on specialty crop producers in the United States.
