On March 5, 2026, the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture approved the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) by a bipartisan vote of 34–17, advancing the House’s proposal to reauthorize the federal Farm Bill following a multi-day committee markup. Momentum has continued to build since committee passage, with House Republican leadership now signaling the bill could be considered on the House floor as early as late April or, potentially, in early May, depending on the legislative calendar and competing priorities.
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 U.S. Senate, activity is also beginning to accelerate. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman has indicated he intends to move toward a Senate committee markup in the coming weeks, signaling renewed momentum for Senate consideration of a five-year Farm Bill. Sen. Boozman has emphasized the need for a bipartisan path forward and has suggested the Senate is working to build on the House’s progress while advancing priorities that can ultimately support bicameral negotiations. This activity represents an important shift from earlier reliance on the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act framework released in 2024 and raises expectations that both chambers may be positioned to engage more seriously on reauthorization this year.
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, increasing pressure on Congress to complete reauthorization before another extension is needed.
Reauthorization of the Farm Bill remains one of IEDC’s top federal policy priorities for 2026. IEDC continues to advocate for a strong Rural Development Title and supports inclusion of $50 million for a new Rural Partnership Program, as proposed in the Senate 2024 framework, to fund locally driven economic development initiatives in rural communities.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has continued to highlight broad stakeholder support for advancing a Farm Bill, including support from rural and economic development organizations. IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle has emphasized IEDC’s support for moving a Farm Bill forward this year and the importance of maintaining a strong rural development title in any final package.
Next Steps: If the House passes its version of the Farm Bill this spring, attention will turn to Senate action and, ultimately, negotiations to reconcile differences between the chambers — likely through a conference process. With the current extension expiring September 30, 2026, IEDC is increasingly focused on sustaining this momentum and advancing a final bipartisan Farm Bill before the deadline to avoid disruptions to these critical programs.