The United States is currently the global leader in plant-based food production. The plant-based industry currently directly employs more than 55,000 people, and new investment could help add more than 200,000 new jobs. The governments of China, Canada, Israel, Denmark, Sweden, Singapore, the Netherlands, Qatar, Australia, the EU, and the UK, are making significant investments in the development of plant-based foods. To maintain a leadership role in plant- based food production and to support farmers, food manufacturing workers, and rural communities, Congress should ensure that farmers and companies producing plant-based foods are eligible for USDA assistance.

Summary:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture administers programs that create opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. This bill would help ensure that USDA programs support farmers and companies producing plant-based foods.
Existing USDA programs can do more to support the production, marketing, and processing of plant-based food products. By ensuring that farmers and companies are eligible for USDA assistance, Congress can ensure that new food manufacturing jobs are being created in our communities, especially our rural communities.