By Brian Glenn and Addy Donelson
Key Takeaways:
- The Senate Agriculture Committee's farm bill, the Agricultural Act of 2026, modernizes essential farm programs, authorizes year-round sales of E15 to strengthen markets for American agriculture, and includes measures to help reduce input cost volatility. As farmers and ranchers navigate one of the most challenging farm economies in a generation, this legislation provides much-needed certainty and support. The Senate Agriculture Committee should advance the bill in a bipartisan manner.
The farm bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting food and agriculture. While Congress reauthorizes the legislation every five years, the 2018 farm bill has been extended three times, and the current extension will expire on Sept. 30, 2026.
Through reconciliation in H.R. 1, the farm safety net and some conservation and research programs typically addressed in a farm bill received significant investment. Farmers and ranchers are thankful for the investments in risk management programs that will be felt on the farm this fall. However, hundreds of programs still must be updated in a full, 12-title farm bill. As farmers navigate one of the most challenging farm economies in a generation, they need the certainty that comes with a modern, comprehensive farm bill.
The Road to a New Farm Bill
In the 118th Congress, the House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 out of committee, but it was not taken up on the House floor.
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