On March 5, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture approved the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), advancing the House’s proposal to reauthorize the federal Farm Bill following a multi-day committee markup. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full U.S. House of Representatives.  

The federal Farm Bill is a comprehensive package of legislation that governs agriculture policy, nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, conservation, rural development, forestry, energy programs, and other initiatives critical to producers and communities. It provides the framework for supporting economic growth in rural areas, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Reauthorization is essential to maintain continuity for these programs and to enable new investments that strengthen locally driven economic development. 

In the Senate, Debbie Stabenow, then-Chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, introduced the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 (S.5335) on November 18, 2024. This serves as the Senate’s framework for Farm Bill reauthorization but has not yet advanced through committee or received a vote on the Senate floor. The current law, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (H.R. 2, P.L. 115-334), has been extended multiple times and is authorized through September 30, 2026. 

Reauthorization of the Farm Bill is one of IEDC’s top federal policy priorities for 2026. IEDC is advocating for a strong Rural Development Title and is supporting the inclusion of $50 million for a new Rural Partnership Program, as proposed in the Senate draft, to fund locally driven economic development initiatives in rural communities.   

Last week, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson issued a press release highlighting stakeholder support for advancing a Farm Bill. The release included a quote from IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle, emphasizing IEDC’s support for moving a Farm Bill forward and urging a strong rural development title. 

Next Steps: If the House passes its version of the Farm Bill, the House and Senate will need to negotiate a final compromise—typically through a conference process—before the current extension expires on September 30, 2026, to avoid gaps in these critical programs.