Last week, United Fresh and a coalition of specialty crop organizations sent a letter to incoming Senate Agriculture Chairman Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) requesting additional data on climate change. 

"Currently, the specialty crop industry in the U.S. comprises over 50 percent of total plant crop value at the farm gate.  However, despite the huge economic impact of this portion of the industry, USDA's climate change analyses have been relatively non-existent as compared to many of the other crops," said the October 8th letter.

Fresh fruits and vegetables carry a unique burden when it comes to energy consumption.

"Once our products leave the farm, fresh fruits and vegetables must be cooled continuously until they are consumed.  Accordingly, changes in the cost or supply of energy will have a disproportionate effect upon this part of the industry," said Kam Quarles, vice president of government relations and legislative affairs for United.

United Fresh is working with a task force of potentially-impacted users to assess the various components of climate change legislation and suggest beneficial changes.

"Increasing the cost of production and distribution of these nutritious products is a possible outcome of this legislation," Quarles continued. "Therefore, if Congress moves forward with this approach to climate change, it is essential that provisions be adopted to mitigate these unintended consequences on our industry."