The current state of climate change legislation could potentially cost the agricultural sector precious revenues in an uncertain time. That was the message from United Vice President of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs Kam Quarles who took time this week to sit down with the House Agricultural Committee to discuss climate change.

"As it currently stands," said Kam, "the U.S. fresh produce industry is likely to see increased input costs from climate change legislation with little opportunity for offsets due to our unique production practices."

Congress and the Obama Administration are both moving forward with plans to address climate change through limits on greenhouse gas production, and a "cap and trade" program is being heavily discussed as a component of that plan. Under such a program, certain industries such as petroleum refiners and power plants would have major restrictions – a cap – placed upon their activities. Those facilities would either have to restructure their operations to produce fewer greenhouse gases or buy offsets to meet their cap. Agriculture is assumed to be a major generator of offsets. However many unanswered questions remain and United Fresh is urging that more study be undertaken before moving forward with legislation.