Federal Advocacy

Working with the U.S. Congress to Advance Cider

As the national trade association representing the U.S. cider industry, the American Cider Association is uniquely positioned to advocate on behalf of cider producers of every size, business model, and region. Whether you're an emerging cidery, a family-owned orchard, or an established national brand, our role is to ensure that cider has a strong, unified voice in Washington, D.C.


We work with Members of Congress, Congressional staff, coalition partners, and industry advocates to advance policies that strengthen the cider industry by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing federal tax laws, and promoting fair and equitable treatment within the broader beverage alcohol space. Our goal is to create a legislative environment that supports innovation, growth, and long-term success for all cider producers.


Our Federal Priorities

1

Carbonation Parity for Fruited Ciders

Advancing legislation that allows more qualifying ciders to benefit from the hard cider tax classification regardless of carbonation level.


Status: Building support for the 120th Congress.


2

Modernizing the Hard Cider Definition

In today's competitive marketplace, the ACA is working to modernize federal tax policy by identifying opportunities to reduce unnecessary barriers for cider producers. This includes evaluating the federal hard cider definition to better align with the realities of today's cider industry.



Status: Legislative strategy under development.


3

Expanding Market Access

Supporting legislation and policies that improve opportunities for cider producers, including direct-to-consumer shipping and other initiatives that remove barriers to growth.


4

Protecting Agriculture

Working with Congressional partners to ensure the apple and cider's voice is represented in Farm Bill discussions and other agricultural policies affecting apple growers and cider producers.