FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2026
CONTACT:
Kyra Smith (Crapo)
Washington, D.C.–Members of the Idaho specialty crops industry are issuing support for U.S. Senator Mike Crapo’s (R-Idaho) Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act). The Specialty CROP Act will help farmers by making key improvements to the annual U.S. Specialty Crops Trade Issues Report to identify and combat unreasonable trade barriers more effectively. Crapo is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over foreign trade matters, and introduced the bipartisan legislation alongside Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Oregon).
Read more about the bill HERE.
What They Are Saying:
“Idaho’s specialty crop producers rely on strong export markets, but unfair foreign trade barriers continue to limit opportunity. The Specialty CROP Act shines a light on those barriers and holds our trading partners accountable. Transparency is the first step toward leveling the playing field for American agriculture.” – Matt Dorsey; President, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation
“Senator Crapo’s introduction of the Specialty CROP Act is greatly appreciated, as it represents a significant advancement for U.S. specialty crop exports. USDA and USTR providing detailed annual reports on foreign trade barriers enables us to comprehend the challenges facing our potato industry and take proactive measures to address them. By fostering transparency, we strengthen our agricultural economy and enhance our position in the global market.” – Jamey Higham; President, Idaho Potato Commission
“The Idaho Onion Growers Association strongly supports Senator Mike Crapo’s reintroduction of the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act. Idaho onion growers represent one of the largest onion-producing regions in the United States and play a critical role in supplying fresh onions to consumers across the country. However, our growers continue to face significant challenges from imported onions and foreign trade barriers that often do not meet the same standards required of U.S. producers. It is essential that USDA and USTR have clear, comprehensive data on how imports and foreign tariff and non-tariff barriers are impacting domestic specialty crop producers, including compliance with U.S. marketing order requirements. This legislation will provide much-needed transparency and accountability by identifying where foreign barriers and unfair trade practices exist and quantifying their impact on U.S. growers. Idaho onion producers deserve a fair and level playing field—both in our domestic market and abroad. We appreciate Senator Crapo’s leadership in ensuring federal agencies and Congress have the information necessary to enforce trade rules, strengthen oversight of imports, and expand fair export opportunities for Idaho’s specialty crop producers.” – Patxi Larrocea-Phillips; Executive Director, Idaho Onion Growers’ Association
“Specialty crop growers understand the complexity of tariff policy and its broader economic goals. At the same time, our sector depends on stable markets, affordable inputs, and predictable supply chains. Tariffs can have direct impacts on farm costs, exports, and consumer prices. We encourage policymakers to closely track tariff-generated revenue and how it is used and consider the unique needs of specialty crop producers to ensure long-term competitiveness and market stability. We appreciate the work that Senator Crapo has done on this bill; it is important to analyze foreign tariffs and the effect they have on Idaho agriculture. More than ever, it is important to have fair access to foreign markets.” – Michelle Gooding Badiola; President, Idaho Hop Growers Association
“The National Potato Council thanks Senators Crapo and Wyden for their leadership in advancing the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act. The U.S. potato industry is heavily dependent on competitive export markets. Minimizing or eliminating both tariff and non-tariff barriers is essential to the continued economic health of our industry. We sincerely appreciate the foresight of Senators Crapo and Wyden in moving this legislation forward.” – Kam Quarles; CEO, National Potato Council
“The North American Blueberry Council applauds Senators Wyden and Crapo for their continued leadership in advancing the Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion (Specialty CROP) Act. As global demand for blueberries grows, persistent tariff and non-tariff barriers put U.S. producers at a competitive disadvantage. This legislation increases transparency around those barriers and identifies actionable opportunities to expand market access and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of American blueberry exports.” – Kasey Cronquist; President, North American Blueberry Council
“Apple, pear and cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest frequently face tariff and non-tariff trade barriers that limit exports in crucial markets. We appreciate Senators Crapo and Wyden introducing this legislation to understand these trade barriers and identify needed solutions so our growers can compete and expand their export opportunities.” – Mark Powers; President, Northwest Horticultural Council
About Mike Crapo
Senator Mike Crapo has represented Idaho in the Senate since 1999, following three terms in the U.S. House and eight years in the Idaho State Senate. A lifelong Idahoan, he currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
