Last week, Representative Mike Thompson, a Democrat from St. Helena, along with co-chairs of the Congressional Wine Caucus, introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting local winegrowers and winemakers who are suffering due to economic impacts from tariffs.

The proposed legislation, named the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, is designed to complement President Trump’s $12 billion aid package intended for U.S. farmers impacted by trade disruptions. While a substantial majority of this funding—approximately $11 billion—focuses on row-crop producers, only $1 billion is allocated for specialty-crop farmers, which includes those cultivating wine grapes.

Members of the Congressional Wine Caucus have expressed that the current funding does not fully meet the wine industry’s pressing needs, especially given its struggles with escalating costs linked to tariffs. Thompson emphasized the importance of the agricultural community, stating, “When our producers are targeted with tariffs, their families feel it immediately. This bill would give them the targeted relief they need to stay competitive.”

Should the legislation pass, it would provide financial assistance to winegrowers and winemakers experiencing losses due to tariffs. This includes support for inflated costs of imported materials, lost export revenue, canceled contracts, and associated labor expenses. “If a foreign tariff raises production or marketing costs or causes a grower or winery to lose export sales, that loss is eligible for relief under the bill,” explained Lauren Ott, Thompson’s communications director.

If enacted, the legislation could create a direct payment program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for qualifying wine and specialty-crop producers through 2030. Additionally, it would grant the USDA the ability to purchase surplus specialty crops for nutrition programs like school meals and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

As of now, there is no set timeline for a vote on the bill, with House Speaker Mike Johnson directing the chamber’s schedule. Thompson and the other co-authors are expected to discuss the bill further during the upcoming negotiations regarding the next Farm Bill, which governs federal agricultural and food policy.