Defending Domestic Produce Protection Act

The Defending Domestic Produce Protection Act (HR 545) defines "core seasonal industries" as producers of raw agricultural products (like fruits or vegetables) that sell nearly all their output during a short, defined harvest season (ending within 8 weeks of harvest) and account for most production in key regions. It adjusts trade law to make it easier for these producers to seek countervailing and antidumping duty protections by lowering the required industry support threshold from a majority to 50% of production (averaged over three seasons) and limiting duty rates to only the affected season. This bill directly affects seasonal agricultural producers, such as those growing perishable crops with brief harvest windows, by aligning trade procedures with their unique operational cycles. The changes apply to trade cases involving goods from Canada and Mexico under the USMCA.