Last updated on January 14th, 2025
The past several years have brought a host of policy wins for independent grocers. From progress toward antitrust enforcement and credit card reform to protection of federal nutrition programs, NGA’s advocacy efforts have made historic leaps.
While we have been building momentum on these issues, there is still plenty to do. With the results of the latest presidential election, will this momentum continue?
Republicans scored a trifecta, winning not only the White House but also majorities in both chambers of Congress. This dynamic poses opportunities and challenges for the independent grocery industry.
The Trump administration likely will seek to extend 2017 corporate tax cuts, in addition to the incoming president’s pledge to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security payments.
Republicans in power likely will mean an easing of regulations for all businesses. For grocery, we’re optimistic that there’s a strong chance of forestalling the Environmental Protection Agency’s burdensome refrigeration rules and an extension for compliance with the Food and Drug Administration’s FSMA 204, the new food traceability rule set to take effect in January 2026.
In addition, the Trump administration may bring a rollback of labor rules, a less aggressive IRS and stronger enforcement of immigration regulations, which could mean labor challenges for a food sector finally rebounding from COVID-19 pandemic-related workforce issues.
Also, Trump’s call for high tariffs on goods from China, Canada and Mexico could, according to several economists, drive up the cost of food ingredients, finished products and transportation.
While this may prove challenging to grocers and consumers alike, NGA will continue to advocate for a fair marketplace where independent grocers can continue to thrive and offer their communities fresh, affordable choices in what they feed their families.
GOP influence over nutrition policy likely will impact grocers as well, particularly independent operators who serve SNAP recipients.
Republicans have voiced support for cuts in SNAP and WIC funding in the next Farm Bill, as well as greater restrictions on the types of products that qualify for SNAP purchases, limiting consumer choices, as well as a move toward providing harvest boxes with pre-selected items.
While these prospects are concerning, NGA is prepared to work with incoming officials to educate them on the importance of choice for SNAP recipients and demonstrate the heavy burdens that SNAP restrictions and government intrusion would place on independent community grocers.
Agriculture and nutrition policy in the new administration would be guided by Trump’s picks for those cabinet posts. At press time, his nominees were Brooke Rollins for agriculture secretary and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for secretary of health and human services.
Rollins leads the conservative think tank America First Policy Institute and was acting director of the White House’s Domestic Policy Council during Trump’s first term, while Kennedy has pledged to “make America healthy again.”
With several of Trump’s cabinet picks generating headlines, a slim GOP majority in the House and much work still ahead, it remains to be seen what the full impact of the new administration will be on our industry.
But NGA has been preparing since Nov. 6 to work with leaders from both parties to ensure our industry has the tools and support to thrive. Likewise, independent grocers should maintain a close relationship with their hometown legislators, so they don’t forget how local grocery stores help drive economic growth and continue to be at the heart of the community.
[RELATED: NGA Commends FTC’s Enforcement Of Robinson-Patman Act]
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