The Senate’s version of the Farm Bill extended the Farming Flexibility Act, an initiative first authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill on a pilot basis for seven states. Farm Flex allows farmers who receive federal subsidies to opt out, without losing eligibility, in favor of producing specialty crops in response to market signals.

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) says the program will increase the availability of US-sourced fruits and vegetables for processing. “Expanding these programs will help enable greater availability and promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables among kids and adults for better health,” says AFFI President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz.