Farm Bill proposal offers pork industry relief and strengthens trade programs
The National Pork Producers Council welcomed the House Agriculture Committee’s approval of a major agriculture bill known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The legislation, often referred to as Farm Bill 2.0, aims to address several policy concerns affecting pork producers and the broader agricultural industry.
One of the most significant provisions in the bill focuses on providing regulatory relief related to state animal housing laws. In recent years, producers have raised concerns about a growing patchwork of state regulations, including California’s Proposition 12, which sets specific standards for livestock housing. Industry groups argue that differing state laws could create compliance challenges for producers across the country and increase the risk of industry consolidation.
“Pork producers of all shapes and sizes need this regulatory relief and are grateful for Chairman Thompson’s steady commitment to providing relief from state laws outside our borders,” said Duane Stateler, NPPC president and pork producer from McComb, Ohio. “Now, it is up to the full House of Representatives to finish the job: pass this farm bill and give agricultural producers across the country true freedom to farm.”
Agricultural leaders say the new legislation attempts to create a more consistent national framework so that individual state rules do not affect producers in other regions.
A representative of the pork industry emphasized the importance of this legislation, saying that farmers need relief from regulations imposed outside their state boundaries and urging lawmakers to continue advancing the bill so producers can operate with greater certainty.
Beyond regulatory issues, the legislation also includes several measures designed to strengthen the agricultural economy and protect livestock producers. The proposal would convert the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program into a permanent initiative to address the damage caused by invasive wild pigs.
The bill also increases funding for key agricultural trade promotion programs. These programs help expand international markets for U.S. agricultural products through initiatives such as the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program.
In addition, the legislation calls for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to report on how changes to the United States Mexico Canada Agreement could impact the agricultural sector. It also proposes creating an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force to help identify and resolve international trade barriers.
Animal health protections are another key component of the bill. Proposed measures include expanding the Animal Health Protection Act to strengthen disease traceability systems and requiring research into insurance programs that could protect pork producers from economic losses caused by major disease outbreaks.
Other provisions aim to improve training programs for agricultural inspection teams and ensure more research funding is directed toward protecting animal health and responding to disease threats.
Supporters of the legislation believe these combined efforts will help strengthen livestock production, expand trade opportunities, and provide more stability for farmers and ranchers across the country.
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