Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Thompson (PA)
In Committee
Summary
Extends and funds major farm, conservation, and rural programs through 2031. The bill would modernize disaster and specialty-crop aid, expand conservation and precision-ag incentives, and direct new investments into rural broadband, processing, and local food programs.
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- Farmers and families: Expands the Tree Assistance Program to cover pest losses and allows upfront pre-cost payments with that initial-payment authority lasting through Sept. 30, 2035. It also creates a specialty-crop emergency payment formula tied to prior-year sales with payment limits and exceptions for farm-dependent entities.
- Conservation and landowners: Moves CRP timelines and enrollment rules and requires maintaining at least 8.6 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program by Sept. 30, 2031. The bill also authorizes State soil-health grants at $100 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 and boosts payments for precision-ag practices.
- Rural communities and infrastructure: Recreates a ReConnect rural broadband program funded at $350 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 and creates a Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities program at $200 million per year through 2031.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
127 provisions identified: 93 benefits, 6 costs, 28 mixed.
Up to $20K for household wells
If enacted, the bill would create a Rural Decentralized Water Systems program to give loans and subgrants to low‑income rural households. Households with combined income at or below 80% of the State nonmetro median would be eligible. Loans or subgrants would be up to $20,000 per household system, carry 1% interest, and have terms up to 20 years. The program would be funded at $20 million per year for FY2027–FY2031.
New forest conservation easement program
If enacted, the bill would create a Forest Conservation Easement Program to conserve eligible forest land and restore habitat. Agreements would generally pay a federal share equal to 50% of fair market value, with up to 75% allowed for special environmental lands or socially disadvantaged owners. Indian Tribe acreage could use 30‑year contracts or permanent easements. For restoration activities under a forest reserve easement plan, the Secretary may pay up to 100% of eligible costs for permanent easements and between 50% and 75% for 30‑year or State‑duration easements. The bill would limit payments to $500,000 per easement and cap 30‑year easement funding at 10% of annual program funds.
Bigger microloans for small businesses
If enacted, the bill would raise the statutory maximum microloan from $50,000 to $100,000 and raise the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program loan cap to $75,000. It would let grant assistance under that program cover up to 100% of eligible costs and allow loans to pay up to 50% of renovation or construction costs. These changes would increase financing available to small rural businesses and microentrepreneurs.
Direct emergency payments for specialty crops
If enacted, specialty crop producers affected by an adverse event would be eligible for direct payments equal to their prior-year specialty crop sales multiplied by a payment factor the Secretary sets, subject to available appropriations. USDA must consider higher crop values and rising input costs when setting payments. Producers with at least 75% of income from farming would face a USDA-set cap that cannot be less than $900,000. Notification and eligibility rules from existing emergency payment statutes would apply as appropriate.
Food supply chain guaranteed loans
If enacted, USDA would add a new food supply chain guaranteed loan under the Business and Industry program to finance aggregation, processing, storage, transport, and distribution projects. A single guaranteed loan could be up to $40 million. For fiscal years 2025–2029 the Secretary may reserve up to 5% of subsection (a) funds each year for this program, and loans for nonrural facilities are limited so no more than 10% of principal guaranteed in a year is outside rural areas.
Grants for local meat processors
If enacted, USDA would run a competitive grant program to help start, expand, or operate local, mobile, and regional meat and poultry processors. Grants would be capped at $500,000 per award and terms could not exceed three years. Federal cost-share would be up to 90% for awards $100,000 or less and 75% for larger awards. The bill would authorize $3 million each year for fiscal years 2027–2031 and require quarterly reports to Congress.
Higher farm loan limits for borrowers
If enacted, the bill would raise Farm Service Agency loan limits. Direct farm ownership loans could be increased to a maximum of $850,000. Direct operating loans could be increased to a maximum of $750,000. Guaranteed loan caps would also increase to $3.5 million for ownership and $3.0 million for operating loans beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Higher organic and conservation payments
If enacted, the bill would raise the per‑producer cap for organic‑production conservation payments to $200,000 for 2027–2031. It would also set a minimum annual payment of $4,000 under the Conservation Stewardship Program and allow payments to cover certain precision agriculture planning and technology costs. These changes would increase the minimum and maximum payments available to participating producers.
More funds for distance learning and telehealth
If enacted, the bill would authorize $82 million each year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program. Appropriated funds for each fiscal year would remain available for two additional fiscal years. This would expand federal support for remote learning and telehealth services in rural areas.
More export and food aid funding
If enacted, the bill would set Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding for agricultural trade and foreign market programs at $255 million for FY2026; $500 million for FY2027; and $533 million for each year FY2028–FY2031. It would set technical assistance limits ($1.5 million for FY2027; $5 million for FY2028 and later) and keep these funds available until spent. The CCC would be allowed to pay associated and incidental costs for Title II and III commodities, and the Foreign Agricultural Service could use salary funds (FY2026–FY2031) to pay Food for Peace administration costs with carryover allowed. The bill would also extend the Growing American Food Exports program through 2031.
CCC conservation funding for 2027–2031
If enacted, the bill would set Commodity Credit Corporation annual funding at $2.53 billion for FY2027, $2.73 billion for FY2028, $3.13 billion for FY2029, $3.175 billion for FY2030, and $3.255 billion for FY2031. It also directs $25–65 million for a Forest Conservation Easement Program across those years and $450 million per year for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program for FY2027–FY2031.
Changes to agricultural and wetland easements
If enacted, agricultural and wetland easement rules would change in several ways. The federal share for agricultural easements would be capped generally at 65% of fair market value but could be up to 90% for socially disadvantaged owners (50%+ ownership) or up to 75% for special grasslands. Permanent easement owners would be paid the difference in value before and after encumbrance; 30‑year or State‑duration easements would get 50%–75% of that payment. The bill also allows eligible entities to choose a low federal share (up to 25% of FMV) if the entity provides at least 50% of FMV in cash, and it adds flexibility to modify, subordinate, or end interests with landowner consent and committee notice. The bill would bar buying easements on certain ineligible lands and allow streamlined partnership agreements and limited waivers. Wetland reserve easements would add Tribes and socially disadvantaged landowners and require stewardship plans and a 5‑year schedule.
Help and new easement rules for landowners
If enacted, owners of nonindustrial private forest land could elect to get an advance up to 75% of the Secretary's estimated cost for emergency restoration work and must spend it within 180 days or return it. Land already in the Healthy Forests Reserve Program would be treated as enrolled in a new Forest Reserve Easement Program and the agency must help owners develop easement plans. The bill would limit new enrollments to long‑term easements (permanent or 30 years) and require USDA to pay up to 100% of eligible repair or enhancement costs for enrolled Wetland Reserve Easement land, with at least 15% of funds reserved for enhancement options.
New rules for farmers and small processors
If enacted, partners could be reimbursed for no more than 10 percent of a project grant for administrative costs. Anyone who knowingly grows a crop not allowed under an 'industrial hemp only' rule would be banned from the hemp program for five years. The bill would prohibit loans or grants to drain, fill, or otherwise manipulate wetlands except limited preexisting exceptions. It would let market agencies own, finance, or operate small packers under size limits but require disclosure to sellers. The bill would also add 'sustainable aviation fuel' to the legal definition of 'advanced biofuel.'
Stricter Buy American rule for schools
If enacted, the bill would require school food authorities to buy at least 95% domestic products in each food category starting the first school year after enactment, except for items on a Secretary‑published domestically unavailable list. The Secretary must publish that list within 6 months and update it every 2 years. The bill would also bar purchasing poultry or seafood from China or Russia. This change could raise costs or administrative work for school meal programs while increasing demand for U.S. producers.
Blocks USDA from setting broadband prices
If enacted, the bill would prohibit the Secretary from using Title VI authority to regulate rates charged for broadband service. That would prevent the Secretary from setting or limiting broadband prices under that title.
Buy local food for food banks
If enacted, the bill would create a Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Program to buy unprocessed or minimally processed local foods for food banks and experienced distributors. At least 25% of purchases must come from small, mid-size, beginning, or veteran producers within the area or 400 miles. Ten percent of funds would go to Tribal governments and 1% to each State. The program is authorized at $200 million per year for FY2027–FY2031.
Changes to SNAP and nutrition programs
If enacted, USDA would make SNAP online grocery buying a permanent nationwide program and start the transition within 120 days. States could hire vetted contractors temporarily during staffing surges or high error rates to speed SNAP certification. The bill would require a proposed rule to strengthen EBT card security within six months. It would also expand SNAP incentives to include animal protein, change GusNIP rules so federal funding generally covers up to 50% (with waivers for persistent-poverty areas), raise the retailer enforcement trigger to two consecutive occurrences within three years, and direct SNAP to emphasize access to foods that help prevent diet-related disease.
More refinancing help for rural health facilities
If enacted, the bill would expand USDA refinancing authority from rural hospitals to a broader set of eligible rural health care facilities and require applicants to get financial planning and prepare a long‑term financial plan. The Secretary could waive some refinancing rules for insolvent facilities and would set up targeted technical assistance to prevent closures and improve access to USDA loans and grants.
Farm loan rules and eligibility changes
If enacted, Farm Service Agency loan rules would change so applicants meet "owner‑operator" tests with clearer percentages (owners holding at least 50% qualify; embedded entities count if 75% is owned by qualified operators). The bill would start a pilot to expedite approval for certain direct farm ownership and bridge loans when serviced by Preferred Certified Lenders and would change the inflation index used for some loan adjustments to an average of three land‑value measures.
Free legal help for farmland heirs
If enacted, USDA would fund cooperative agreements with nonprofits to give free legal and accounting help to underserved heirs to resolve shared ownership of farmland or forest land. Agreements would generally run up to 4 years, require annual reporting, and the program is authorized at $60 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031.
Agriculture education, training, and exchanges
If enacted, the bill would fund and expand several education and training programs in agriculture. It would authorize competitive international research grants, community college workforce grants, a global agriculture exchange for ages 19–30 with $10 million per year, veteran education grants ($3 million per year), and an "Armed to Farm" training stream with $3.5 million and $1.5 million per year items for FY2027–FY2031. It also creates a process for non‑Federal certifying entities to approve third‑party technical assistance providers and requires the Secretary to notify Governors about matching requirements annually.
More farmer training and career grants
If enacted, the bill would expand and extend many training, outreach, and workforce programs for beginning farmers, rural students, and people with disabilities interested in farming. It would direct the Farming Opportunities Training program to operate through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, expand the Assistive Technology Program to serve youth with disabilities, broaden RISE grants to fund career pathways, extend insular and tribal education authorities through 2031, require multi‑year fellowships, and prevent veterinarians from losing loan‑repayment eligibility because they join similar programs while requiring streamlined applications.
Advance payments for conservation repairs
If enacted, producers eligible for Emergency Conservation Program payments would be able to choose advance payments: up to 75% before replacement or rehabilitation and up to 50% before repair, each based on fair market value as determined by the Secretary. The program's wildfire coverage would also be expanded to include wildfires that are not caused naturally, including certain federal‑caused spread. These changes would take effect upon enactment.
Late‑planting insurance pilot in Texas
If enacted, USDA would run a pilot starting with the 2027 crop year in at least 10 counties within or adjacent to specified groundwater districts in the Texas Panhandle. For at least four crop years the pilot would suspend any reduction to insurance guarantees for crops planted in the late‑planting period while measuring yield impacts. Agencies must report to Congress within 90 days after the 2031 crop year. The Corporation may use up to $200,000 for partnered research.
Refinance troubled guaranteed FSA loans
If enacted, the Farm Service Agency must issue rules within one year allowing certain distressed FSA‑guaranteed loans in monetary default or facing liquidation to be refinanced as FSA direct loans when the Secretary finds a reasonable chance of success. Refinanced loans would remain subject to existing FSA direct loan limits. The rule aims to reduce foreclosure and preserve viable farm operations.
Tax exclusion for easement payments
If enacted, payments or other assistance under Subtitle H for agricultural land easements or wetland reserve easements would be excluded from the adjusted gross income limitation in section 1001D(b)(1). The change would apply to payments made under Subtitle H and would take effect upon enactment. This could lower reported AGI for eligible landowners and affect tax liability or program eligibility.
Crop insurance provider rules and appeals
If enacted, approved crop insurance providers that support a concept proposal would get earlier access to data and product development information under confidentiality. The bill would also set 90‑day deadlines for provider appeals and agency final determinations, and it would bar implementing new policies in a reinsurance year after July 1 unless providers get handbooks and training at least 90 days before sales close. Missing Corporation deadlines could relieve providers from debt owed to the Corporation in many cases.
Approve and pay third‑party technical help
If enacted, USDA would set up a fast approval process for non‑Federal entities (states, tribes) to certify third‑party technical assistance providers and require timely reporting of certified providers. The Secretary would set payment rates to third‑party assistants up to the Secretary's cost to provide the same help and must consider equipment, travel, training, and site visits. Partnership agreements would identify technical assistance funding shares, allow reimbursements and advances to eligible partners, and require a single simplified process. For covered partnership projects the bill would also require at least 50% of project costs be direct funding.
Block grants for disaster crop losses
If enacted, the Secretary could provide block grants to cover certain covered losses—like lost revenue, quality, or production from a natural disaster—when additional funds are made available after enactment. Grants would only apply when no other federal assistance covers the loss and are triggered by the specific additional‑funds scenario described in the bill.
Crop insurance and veteran rules
If enacted, starting with the 2026 reinsurance year, approved crop insurers could charge no more than 1 percent simple interest per month on delinquent premiums, capped at 60 months. The bill would also treat veteran farmers and ranchers like beginning farmers in certain crop insurance rules and change veteran experience references from 5 to 10 years.
Faster and cheaper small rural loans
If enacted, the bill would cap fees on USDA guaranteed loans: an initial guarantee fee no more than 3% of the guaranteed principal and a periodic retention fee no more than 0.75% of outstanding principal. It would require a short application for guaranteed loans up to $1,000,000 and a 5‑business‑day notice for complete applications from Preferred or Certified Lenders. The bill would set maximum guarantee percentages (up to 90% for loans ≤ $125,000; up to 75% for $125,000–$500,000; up to 50% for $500,000–$1,000,000). It would direct reasonable repayment terms for zero‑interest Rural Economic Development loans and limit letters of credit when acceptable collateral is provided. It would also extend the Intermediary Relending Program authorization window.
Loan eligibility and experience changes
If enacted, operator and ownership tests for certain operating and emergency loans would change to a 50 percent operator ownership test and would let the Secretary define "qualified operators" who meet operator requirements. The bill would shorten several experience requirements (for example, replacing 3 years with 2 years) and allow loan servicing for marketing assistance and Sugar Program loans to continue during government funding lapses.
More help for tree losses
If enacted, the Tree Assistance Program would cover more types of losses, including some biennial crops and pest damage, and help when planted trees are no longer economically viable after a disaster. USDA must approve or deny applications within 120 days. Producers could take an initial payment equal to the fair market value of estimated costs, with later adjustments; that initial-payment option ends September 30, 2035.
Rural veterinary practice grants
If enacted, Veterinary Services Grants would be allowed to pay relocation, startup equipment, and housing or living stipends for veterinary students and trainees to expand, retain, or attract rural veterinary practices. USDA must set up a streamlined application process within one year of enactment.
Simpler local food grants and hubs
If enacted, the Local Agriculture Market Program would add a definition of "food hub," allow grants for special-purpose equipment, and require a simplified application for grants under $100,000 for certain projects. Each year, at least 10 percent and at most 50 percent of subsection grant funds would go to awards made from simplified applications.
Support and loans for precision farming
If enacted, USDA grants and on‑farm trials could fund precision agriculture and perennial systems research. Conservation loans and loan guarantees would explicitly cover adopting precision agriculture technologies. EQIP participants would be told they may also apply for a USDA loan or loan guarantee for the same practices, and payments for precision adoption or technology could be increased to up to 90 percent of costs.
Use grazing to cut wildfire risk
If enacted, the Agriculture and Interior Secretaries would have 18 months to develop a strategy to use livestock grazing on Federal lands to reduce wildfire risk. The strategy would include targeted grazing to reduce fuels, temporary permits, permit modifications for variances, and NEPA reviews needed to allow grazing on vacant allotments during drought or disaster. The plan must avoid conflicts with other land uses and be consistent with land management plans.
Wine grape smoke insurance research
If enacted, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would research and develop an insurance product to cover wine grapes for losses from wildfire smoke exposure and deliver research results within one year. If statutory insurance requirements are met, the Corporation would make a smoke‑exposure policy available within 18 months after enactment. The Corporation must report to Appropriations and Agriculture Committees within two years on research and policy availability.
Federal right for interstate livestock sales
If enacted, the bill would create a Federal right for producers of 'covered livestock' to raise and market that livestock in interstate commerce and would stop States from imposing or enforcing production conditions on covered livestock that were not physically raised in the State. Covered livestock would include animals raised for slaughter or to produce milk, but not animals raised primarily for egg production. 'Production' would mean raising, including breeding, not movement or processing.
Minimum funding for international food aid
If enacted, the bill would set a conditional annual minimum for ready‑to‑use therapeutic food of $200 million from FY2027 through FY2031 when the under‑5 wasting rate is above 5% and Title II funding exceeds $1.2 billion. It would also require at least $15 million per year for the International Food Relief Partnership in FY2027–FY2031.
New rules for Dietary Guidelines
If enacted, the Dietary Guidelines cycle would begin with a 2030 report and be published at least every 10 years. Each report would be developed using formal rulemaking and an evidence-based review that seeks "significant scientific agreement." An Independent Advisory Board would submit a prioritized list of scientific questions within one year of being formed.
Protect common product names abroad
If enacted, the Secretary of Agriculture, working with the U.S. Trade Representative, would be required to negotiate agreements so U.S. producers and exporters can keep using Secretary‑listed common product names in foreign markets. They must jointly brief congressional agriculture committees twice a year on progress and results.
Stronger agriculture security and reporting
If enacted, USDA would run annual food‑sector crisis simulations and produce risk assessments at least every two years. The Secretary must appoint a Chief of Operations for AFIDA investigations, audit the AFIDA database, and coordinate investigations with DOJ, FBI, DHS, Treasury, and other agencies. The bill also requires an annual unclassified report to Congress on national security risks from agricultural land owned or managed by covered foreign persons, with a classified annex allowed.
Meat and poultry inspection outreach
If enacted, the Secretary would be required each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 to do outreach to States that run State meat or poultry inspection programs but lack a selected establishment. At the end of each fiscal year the Secretary would send a report on outreach activities and results to House and Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees.
Community Connect broadband changes
If enacted, the Community Connect program would change numeric eligibility tests (one threshold changes from 10 to 25 and another from 1 to 3) and require eligible service areas to meet minimum broadband speed requirements. The program window references would be updated to fiscal years 2027–2031. These changes could change which communities qualify for grants and raise the required minimum service speed for awardees.
Extend NOAA weather radio grants
If enacted, grant authority for NOAA weather radio transmitters would be extended through September 30, 2031. This preserves federal grant support for organizations that install or maintain transmitters used for public weather alerts. The change would take effect upon enactment.
Higher rehab cost‑share for watersheds
If enacted, USDA could provide technical and financial assistance to local organizations to repair aging or damaged flood‑control works. The rehabilitation cost‑share for structural measures would increase to 90% federal support (local groups would cover about 10%). USDA must post national and State data on expenditures and expected benefits while protecting individual landowner identities in some cases.
Low-cost loans for rural water systems
If enacted, the bill would let USDA offer zero‑percent or 1% loans, loan forgiveness, refinancing, and fee waivers to eligible rural water, wastewater, or waste disposal systems in disadvantaged or distressed areas. It would codify a national circuit rider technical assistance and disaster response program to help utilities with operations, compliance, and emergency response. The bill would also extend several USDA water program authorizations through 2027–2031 and preserve Alaska rural water assistance through September 30, 2031.
Source water protection coordinators
If enacted, each State would name a source water protection coordinator to work with community water systems. USDA must publish an annual public report and interactive map showing local priority areas, programs used, acres covered, contracts, and funds obligated and spent. The bill expands eligible non‑Federal partners, generally requires partner cost‑shares of at least 50%, and requires written owner consent for projects on adjacent land.
Stronger wildfire response and reporting
If enacted, the Forest Service would be required to try to contain wildfires on certain high‑risk National Forest lands within 24 hours of detection, while still protecting firefighter safety and following interagency agreements. The Agriculture and Interior Departments would set up a pilot to test new wildfire prevention and detection technologies (including AI, quantum sensing, and 5G) and report to Congress each year. Agencies must also adopt standard tracking and annual reports on hazardous‑fuels reduction acres, costs, and effectiveness, and the GAO must study implementation within two years.
More research funding and priorities
If enacted, the bill would extend authorization dates for many USDA research, extension, and education programs through 2031. It would add new high‑priority research topics (for example, nutrient management, biochar, PFAS and microplastics on farms, soil health, and specialty crop automation) and expand Agriculture and Food Research Initiative priorities like controlled‑environment agriculture. The bill would also create a funding floor for certain land‑grant institutions.
Priority loans and grants for rural childcare
If enacted, for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 USDA would give priority for selecting recipients of certain loans and grants to applicants expanding childcare in rural areas. The Secretary must ensure geographic balance, evaluate projects within three years, and report to Congress within four years. The priority would apply across multiple listed USDA loan and grant programs.
Research centers, training, and farm planning
If enacted, the bill would create competitive grants and Centers of Excellence for many agriculture topics, expand a BARD accelerator for mid‑stage research, and form a Commission on Farm Transitions to report within two years. It would also set up a temporary commission to modernize agricultural statistics with $1 million from the Commodity Credit Corporation for FY2026 and require a national flood vulnerability report for farms within two years.
Feral swine eradication and funding plan
If enacted, the bill would create a Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program to study damage, develop control methods, restore damage, and give financial help to producers in areas the Secretary names as threatened. The federal share of activity costs would be up to 75 percent. The Commodity Credit Corporation is directed to fund the effort with specified sums across FY2019–2031 and to allocate 40% to NRCS and 60% to APHIS, with no more than 10% for administration.
Forest carbon, biomass, and biochar programs
If enacted, the Forest Service must build a public data platform within two years showing forest and wood‑product carbon measurement and tools. The bill would define certain forest and wood residuals as "qualified renewable biomass" and direct agencies to treat that biomass and facilities using it as renewable with a greenhouse‑gas intensity of not greater than zero if use does not cause forest conversion. The bill would also expand biochar research and demonstration grants, create a White Oak Restoration Fund for donations, and authorize $5 million a year for mitigation banking activities for 2027–2031.
Rural Development Innovation Center
If enacted, the bill would create a Rural Development Innovation Center inside USDA to find inefficiencies and modernize Rural Development program processes. The Center would create a public stakeholder process, push shared technology and data solutions, and publish a modernization plan with milestones. It must report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees each year on activities and progress.
State and Tribal soil health grants
If enacted, USDA would award annual Soil Health State and Tribal grants for fiscal years 2027–2031. The program would have $100 million available each year. Individual grants could not exceed $5 million or 50% of a State program's costs (75% for Tribal programs). Department admin costs would be capped at 3% and State/Tribal admin at 7%. Recipients must submit audits and could be disqualified for noncompliance.
Many programs' dates extended to 2031
If enacted, the bill would replace many statutory dates (for example, references to 2023) with 2031 or similar updated ranges. That would extend authorization windows and preserve program authorities for many programs through the new dates. These textual updates would take effect upon enactment.
More rural business and forestry support
If enacted, the bill would raise several program limits and selection rules that help rural businesses. It would raise the timber sale threshold from $10,000 to $55,000, change REAP selection to favor cost savings and raise a $25 million cap to $50 million, increase State mediation matching grants to $700,000 with 25% carryover, and let Farm Credit System institutions control more Rural Business Investment Companies (from 50 to 75).
Specialty crop mechanization funding
If enacted, USDA would create a Specialty Crop Mechanization and Automation Research and Extension program to speed prototypes, field trials, and commercialization of automation for specialty crops. The Secretary must reserve at least $30 million each year for fiscal years 2027–2031 from the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to carry out the program.
Trade enforcement and market monitoring help
If enacted, the President would create an Agricultural Trade Enforcement Task Force within 30 days to find and plan to remove trade barriers that hurt U.S. farm exporters. Federal agencies would also form a working group to monitor seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables trade and to suggest trade actions. The bill limits technical assistance funding for improving foreign market infrastructure to $1.5 million in FY2027 and $5 million per year starting in FY2028.
Voluntary precision ag standards
If enacted, USDA would add definitions for precision agriculture and require development of voluntary, consensus-based interconnectivity standards, guidelines, and best practices within two years. USDA would consult with NIST, the FCC, and industry. The Comptroller General would assess those standards one year after development and every two years for eight years to see if they encourage adoption and coordinate with industry.
New rules for importing live dogs
If enacted, dogs could not be imported into the U.S. unless electronic documentation shows good health, required vaccinations and parasite treatments, negative tests, a certificate from an accredited veterinarian endorsed by the competent veterinary authority, and an approved permanent ID. Dogs for transfer must be at least 6 months old and have an import permit. USDA must write rules within 18 months and may charge fees and enforce penalties and cost recovery for noncompliance.
Penalties for AFIDA reporting failures
If enacted, persons required to file Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act reports could face civil penalties. Failure to file could carry penalties up to 25%. Knowingly filing false or misleading information would carry penalties of not less than 5% and not more than 25%. The penalties would be recoverable in civil actions.
Limits on USDA solar help for farms
If enacted, the bill would bar most USDA financial assistance for converting covered farmland or certain private forest land to ground‑mounted solar. Two narrow exceptions apply: projects converting less than 5 acres, or projects under 50 acres where most energy is for on‑farm use and local governments support it. Projects that qualify under the larger exception must have a farmland conservation plan, funds for decommissioning and remediation, and may face full repayment if they fail to follow the plan. The bill also bans assistance for projects that buy solar components from specified foreign countries of concern.
Crop insurance A&O pay frozen
If enacted, the bill would require the Board to set administrative and operating (A&O) reimbursement rates for crop insurance providers and agents in 2027 and later equal to the 2026 per‑policy rate. That would freeze per‑policy A&O reimbursements at the 2026 level for future reinsurance years.
Limit overbuilding in broadband awards
If enacted, an area would not be treated as unserved for Title VI broadband funding if another federal or state program obligated funds there within the prior five years for service at least 100/20 Mbps. That rule would limit new USDA awards in places with recent funding promises for 100/20 service. The change takes effect upon enactment.
New Farm Credit limits and oversight
If enacted, a Farm Credit Corporation would not be able to treat loans as "qualified loans" when all loans to a single borrower or related borrowers exceed 10 percent of the corporation's tier 1 capital. The Farm Credit Administration could set a lower single-borrower limit by rule. The bill would also name the Farm Credit Administration as the sole regulator for Farm Credit System activities covered by the Farm Credit Act and say later rules do not override that exclusivity unless a law expressly does so.
Annual conservation payment reviews
If enacted, USDA would review conservation practice costs and payment rates every year on a State‑by‑State basis and update payment rates under existing contracts so rates reflect the year's costs. The Secretary must monitor large cost variability and set procedures to adjust rates for contracts in effect. These updates could raise payments in some places and lower them in others.
Changes to biorefinery and biochar programs
If enacted, the bill would widen the Biorefinery Assistance program to include innovative commercial projects and production of renewable chemicals or biobased products, require technical review agreements, and allow waiving some commercial‑viability tests for projects using existing technology. The bill would rescind $18 million of unobligated balances previously available for that program. It would cap federal funding for establishing a biochar facility at no more than 35 percent of capital cost and set the biochar demonstration and research authority to end seven years after enactment.
Conservation cost monitoring and CRP caps
If enacted, USDA would monitor practice-cost variability each year and could adopt State technical committee recommendations on payment rates. The Secretary must try to enroll and maintain at least 8,600,000 acres in specified continuous CRP enrollment by September 30, 2031. At the same time, the bill would bar enrolling more than 25 percent of a county's cropland in CRP or Wetland Reserve Easements.
Extend suspension of price supports
If enacted, the bill would extend the statutory suspension of permanent commodity price support authority by replacing references to 2023 with 2031, continuing the current temporary arrangement through 2031.
Fees for harvesting forest botanicals
If enacted, the Forest Service would charge fees for commercial botanical products harvested on National Forest lands. Fees must reflect fair market value and agency costs, personal‑use harvests below a set level would be exempt, and money collected would fund inventories, monitoring, restoration, and administrative costs at the unit.
Forest contracting and provider rules
If enacted, USDA would expand and standardize rules for third-party technical providers across conservation programs and review those certification rules within one year. Stewardship contracts of 5 years or more signed on or after enactment would be "multiyear contracts"; if the agency cancels one, the contractor would get one payment equal to the lesser of 10% of the contract or unrecovered amortized costs. In extreme-risk forest events, the Secretary could dispose of timber without a full appraisal under rules the Secretary sets.
More rural grants and cooperative support
If enacted, the bill would extend Rural Business Development Grants, Rural Business Investment, and related technical assistance through September 30, 2031. It would broaden cooperative development grants to include training, technical help, and renewal authority for qualifying nonprofit centers. The Office of Urban Agriculture would be expanded to include controlled‑environment farming and competitive grants to nonprofits, local governments, Tribal groups, cooperatives, and K–12 schools. The bill would let Sun Grant cover bioproducts and raise an administrative share in one subsection; it would also require Wood Innovation Grant applicants to provide a 50% match and allow transportation costs to be covered, with priorities for certain sawmill reuse projects.
New hemp production rules and testing
If enacted, hemp growers would have to choose either "only industrial hemp" or "hemp for other purposes" and total plant THC (including THCA) would be defined as not more than 0.3 percent. Producers who elect "only industrial hemp" could use reduced sampling methods and may avoid a 10‑year ineligibility period after certain felonies; but State or Tribal authorities must immediately report certain culpable violations to law enforcement.
Rural energy loans and wood projects
If enacted, Rural Energy Savings loans could cover on- or off-grid renewables and energy storage and have terms up to 20 years. USDA storage facility loans could be used to build or upgrade propane storage used mainly for agricultural production. The Community Wood Facilities program would focus on forest biomass, raise allowed energy capacity from 5 MW to 15 MW, allow forest products manufacturing projects, increase cost-share to 50 percent, and set a program cap at no more than $5 million.
Changes to Food for Peace program
If enacted, at least half of Food for Peace funds each year would have to buy U.S.-grown agricultural commodities and pay ocean shipping. The bill would move Food for Peace authorities from USAID to the Agriculture Secretary for actions on or after January 1, 2026, and the Secretary would start issuing rules immediately to complete the transfer. The bill would also allow nongovernmental organizations, as the Secretary decides, to act as implementers for certain quality assurance activities.
New forest restoration and land rules
If enacted, the bill would expand forest surveys and require the FIA plan to add forest carbon reporting within 180 days. It would change forest restoration rules to include pathogens, require standard monitoring, and limit funding to four proposals per National Forest System region each year. The bill would allow certain new permanent roads for restoration and let utilities cut hazardous trees near power lines under permits, with sale proceeds (less transport) going to the Forest Service. The bill would cap combined State assessment and strategy funding at $10,000,000 per year and set sourcing and funding limits for biochar projects (50% public-lands feedstock target and federal funding up to 35% of capital cost).
Research, labs, and biosecurity coordination
If enacted, the Under Secretary for REE would have to make MOUs with DOE, NSF, and DOD within 1 year to support joint, competitive research and report to Congress within 2 years. The bill would let eligible animal health research recipients carry over unspent annual funds and extend certain research authorizations to 2031. It would expand plant diagnostics authority, authorize additional detector dog training facilities and off-site programs, and require some interim pesticide decisions through October 1, 2031 to include measures to reduce harm to endangered species.
Tighter foreign investment rules for agriculture
If enacted, the bill would add new AFIDA definitions, require the FSA to update its foreign investment handbook within two years, and require MOUs with CFIUS within one year to share AFIDA report information. It would require outreach to landlords and operators and public disclosure of names of people who paid AFIDA civil penalties. It would also add the Agriculture Secretary to CFIUS for covered agricultural transactions involving certain foreign countries so CFIUS can decide whether to start a review.
Pesticide exemptions and EPA‑USDA review
If enacted, EPA would be able to exempt some low-risk plant substances from pesticide rules when another federal agency already regulates them. EPA must issue guidance within 1 year for some plant-incorporated protectants and could later remove an exemption by order. EPA would also need to coordinate with USDA when developing pesticide mitigation measures and publish an economic analysis of mitigation costs in the action's docket. The coordination requirements may be waived or changed by agreement and published in the docket.
Rural broadband funding and rules
If enacted, the bill would recast and fund the ReConnect Rural Broadband Program and related programs. It would authorize $350 million each year for FY2027–FY2031 and set priorities for projects that reach places without at least 25 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up. The bill would also create grants for satellite equipment for low‑income households in very remote ZIP codes, require technical assistance grants, require mapping and provider validation using FCC and Deployment Locations maps, and set aside 3–5% of Title VI appropriations for oversight and a special program. The bill would require rules and deadlines for buildout, fees, and program details.
Food producers: labeling and cost reports
If enacted, the Secretary would have a statutory test to decide a product's "common name" and would use dictionaries, product standards, and customary use when deciding. The Secretary would have one year to set national labeling rules and definitions for bioproduct terms and must consult industry and growers. Manufacturers subject to the Agricultural Marketing Act would need to report production costs and product yields for products processed in the same facility. The Secretary would publish a processing-cost report within 3 years and every 2 years after that with confidentiality protections.
Agricultural research and AGARDA updates
If enacted, the bill would repeal a list of older statutory provisions the text calls obsolete. It would also expand the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority to explicitly include precision agriculture, change references from 'person' to 'eligible entity', broaden covered products or projects, and extend certain program timing from 5 years to 13 years.
Delivery pilot for low-income seniors
If enacted, the bill would create a competitive CSFP Delivery Pilot to help deliver food (including home delivery) to low-income seniors. Grants would be capped by a formula (state caseload × $60 or $10,000, whichever is greater, but not more than $4,000,000). The pilot is authorized at $10 million per year for FY2027 through FY2031 and gives priority to groups serving rural participants.
More funding for healthy food programs
If enacted, the Healthy Food Financing Initiative's authorized funding would rise from $125 million to $135 million. The Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program would expand to cover certain protein-rich cheeses made from pasteurized cow's milk sold in specified forms and the program's authorized funding would increase from $20 million to $50 million. These changes would take effect upon enactment and could provide more incentives for SNAP, WIC, and institutional purchasers.
Rural mental and maternal health focus
If enacted, USDA programs for distance learning, telemedicine, and Community Facilities would add mental, behavioral, and maternal health as selection priorities and update date references. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network would include crisis hotlines in outreach and allow grant recipients to set up referrals to clinics and hospitals. Program dates would be extended through 2031.
Tribal pilot to buy CSFP food
If enacted, the bill would authorize a demonstration letting Tribal organizations buy CSFP commodities under self‑determination contracts for reservations, subject to appropriations and consultation. Commodities must be domestically produced and be nutritionally similar to current CSFP amounts. The bill authorizes $1 million (available until spent) and $1.2 million per year for FY2027–FY2031 for contract officers and program staff.
Rural broadband demonstration grants
If enacted, the bill would create a program to fund rural demonstration projects for innovative broadband. The Secretary could award grants or loans to lower deployment costs and raise speeds. It authorizes $10 million for each fiscal year 2027 through 2031 and requires speed, quality, and build‑out rules for terrestrial and satellite projects.
Small grants for energy loan repairs
If enacted, entities that receive a loan under the Rural Energy Savings Program could also receive a grant equal to up to 5% of the loan to pay for repairs that make financed energy efficiency measures possible. For loans serving qualified consumers in persistent poverty counties, the grant share could be 10%. The program would also set aside 3–5% of appropriated funds for outreach, training, and technical assistance.
USDA Office of the Ombudsman
If enacted, USDA would create an independent Office of the Ombudsman within 120 days to help producers and program customers navigate civil rights reviews and appeals. The Ombudsman must be a senior official with civil rights experience and would get departmental records within 60 days of request. The office must publish an annual report and the bill authorizes $1 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031.
Biosecurity and residue monitoring extended
If enacted, the bill would extend authorization for special agricultural biosecurity planning and response by replacing 2023 date references with 2031. It would also extend the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Database Program's authorization through 2031. These changes keep those programs authorized without changing eligibility or payment rules in the text provided.
Clearer rules for plant detentions
If enacted, USDA, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and Customs would have to issue guidance within 180 days explaining how importers can get more information when plants are detained under the Lacey Act. Guidance would require providing the reason, the date presented, expected detention length, what tests will be done, and what information speeds release.
Cattle fever program external review
If enacted, the Secretary would offer a contract within one year to a land‑grant or similar institution to review the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. The review must evaluate effectiveness, economic impacts where ticks were eradicated, producer burdens, treatment protocols, and funding allocations. The Secretary must submit a report with findings and recommendations within one year after the contract starts.
Crop revenue insurance research
If enacted, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would research ways to offer revenue‑loss insurance for listed crops like camelina, carinata, pennycress, alfalfa, pulses, sugarbeets, sugarcane, and blueberries. The Corporation could test alternative projected‑price methods and study a pricing library. A report on initial results would be due within 18 months and any new policies would still have to meet existing section 508(h) requirements.
EQIP Southern Border payments
If enacted, USDA would create a Southern Border Initiative under EQIP to pay producers to repair eligible damage on land in counties at or near the southern border. Contracts under the initiative would last one year. 'Covered damage' would mean harm to agricultural land or farming infrastructure. The change would take effect upon enactment.
Extend many program authorizations
If enacted, the bill would update several statutes that now reference 2023 so those program authorities continue through 2031. This includes REAP zones, cooperative lending pilots, the local/regional food program, aquaculture program references, and Specialty Crops Market News, preserving program authority through September 30, 2031.
Faster partner payments and fee waivers
If enacted, USDA would have to pay eligible partners under partnership agreements within 30 days after a payment request. The Forest Service Chief could also waive some or all special use fees when the Chief determines a waiver is equitable and in the public interest for certain governments, nonprofits, or amateur radio operators.
Lower caps on some loan interest rates
If enacted, specified loan rates in referenced statutory subsections would be set equal to the direct farm ownership loan rate and would not exceed 5 percent per year. This change would take effect upon enactment.
Model HACCP plans for small plants
If enacted, the Secretary would publish a public list of studies, best-practice guidance, and scale-appropriate model HACCP plans for small and very small meat and poultry establishments. The list and model plans would be due within 18 months and a full guidance document after public notice within 2 years. The Secretary would not publish confidential business information such as individual HACCP plans.
Mushroom insurance research and report
If enacted, the Corporation would research insurance designs for mushroom growing media and mushroom production, including pest and pathogen risks, power‑loss, extreme rainfall, and streamlined reporting needs. The Corporation must report results and recommendations to Congress within two years. Any insurance would only be available if it meets existing program requirements.
National and regional agroforestry centers
If enacted, the bill would create a National Agroforestry Research, Development, and Demonstration Center and direct USDA to set up regional agroforestry centers subject to appropriations. The Secretary would appoint directors, support demonstration sites, and publish information on programs that support agroforestry. A national agroforestry producers survey would be required within 5 years and every 5 years after. The section authorizes $7 million per year for fiscal years 2027–2031, subject to appropriations.
Office for urban and emerging farming
If enacted, the Urban, Indoor, and Other Emerging Agricultural Production Initiative would add an Office of Urban Agriculture, expand covered emerging production practices, include waste-stream management, and authorize advising colleges and vocational schools on career and technical education for controlled-environment farming.
Organic milk data and assistance
If enacted, USDA would collect and publish monthly cost‑of‑production and price data for organic milk and create an Organic All Milk Prices Survey for national and regional reporting. The bill would also authorize and clarify technical assistance, outreach, and education support to organic producers across multiple USDA agencies and extend certain funding authority through 2031. These steps aim to give organic dairy producers better price and cost information and more coordinated assistance.
Periodic crop quality loss reviews
If enacted, beginning in 2027 and every five years after, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would contract independent reviews of its quality loss adjustment procedures. Each review must finish within one year and include regionally diverse industry stakeholders for every commodity with quality loss adjustment. The Corporation would report findings and planned procedural changes to Congress.
Specialty crop grants and marketing rules
If enacted, Specialty Crop Block Grant priorities would be set annually with producer input and State plans must name a lead agency and explain use of funds and outreach. The bill would also add mandarin oranges and almonds to the list of commodities eligible for marketing orders.
Stronger regional conservation standards
If enacted, the bill would refocus the Regional Conservation Partnership Program on projects at a regional or watershed scale and name soil, drinking water, groundwater, flood and drought resiliency, wildlife, and farmland conservation as explicit purposes. The Secretary would be required to review conservation practice standards within one year and at least every five years, take public input, and may update standards. The bill would expand third‑party certification routes for conservation technical assistance to include State agencies, Tribes, and approved non‑Federal entities. It would also update program date and baseline references, including changing a Farmable Wetland baseline year and one soil‑class reference.
USDA hemp testing lab accreditation
If enacted, the Secretary would set up a federal accreditation process for laboratories that test hemp. The Secretary would consult with the Drug Enforcement Administration when creating the accreditation certificates. Accredited labs could seek a USDA certificate to test hemp under the bill's hemp rules.
Aquaculture advisory committee set up
If enacted, USDA would create an Aquaculture Advisory Committee within 180 days to advise on program oversight, best practices, and technical assistance for shellfish, algae, and land-based systems. The Committee would have 14 non‑federal members, meet at least three times a year, and would terminate five years after appointment unless renewed.
Changes to pesticide coordination and reports
If enacted, the Director of the Office of Pest Management Policy would be included in all interagency pesticide working group meetings. Required reports would be annual and posted on the EPA website. The Administrator must consult covered agencies and publish their input before some ESA‑related pesticide policies, and the group would hold yearly consultations with industry stakeholders.
Faster communications approvals on forests
If enacted, communications use authorizations on National Forest System lands would not need a new NEPA review when equipment is on existing infrastructure or on land already analyzed with prior communications authorizations. The Secretary would not be required to reinitiate NEPA consultation for previously analyzed areas.
Multiple program date extensions to 2031
If enacted, the bill would extend statutory date references through 2031 for several programs. Examples include the CFTC whistleblower account provisions, the National Rural Development Partnership, the Office of Partnerships, and the Office of Pest Management Policy. These changes preserve legal authority for those programs through September 30, 2031.
New annual aquaculture status report
If enacted, USDA would send Congress an annual report on aquaculture starting within one year. The report must list actions taken, federal spending totals, and a catalog of capital and regulatory barriers. A continuing assessment of barriers must run at least every three years.
Animal Welfare Act enforcement updates
If enacted, the Secretary would have to report within two years on Animal Welfare Act enforcement, dealer education, and enforcement capacity. The bill would add visual dental checks to the standard for "adequate veterinary care" when practicable. The Secretary could make rules to notify law enforcement or State animal health officials during inspections and to consider removing dogs in severe suffering.
Tribes added to solid waste grants
If enacted, Indian tribes would be added as eligible recipients of the solid waste management grants program. The program authorization window would be updated to fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This change expands who can apply for federal solid waste grants.
More SNAP payment error reporting
If enacted, the bill would require USDA to include all identified SNAP payment errors, including very small ones, in a supplemental section of the annual payment error report. The change would not alter the statutory tolerance level used to exclude small errors from the official error‑rate calculation.
Ag Innovation Corps training
If enacted, USDA would create an Agricultural Innovation Corps to give entrepreneurship training to agricultural researchers, students, and institutions that receive Department funds. The Secretary may make competitive follow-on grants for prototype work when innovations are not eligible for SBIR or STTR. The Secretary must report on program results by September 30, 2027 and at least every other year after.
Farm Credit for community facilities
If enacted and starting October 1, 2026, Farm Credit institutions could make and participate in loans and provide assistance for essential community facilities eligible under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Aggregate financing under this new authority could not exceed 15% of an institution's outstanding loans. Institutions must offer a participation interest to at least one non‑Farm Credit domestic lender, with priority to local community banks, and report offers to the Farm Credit Administration. The Administration must report to Congress annually on these activities.
New biobased procurement reports
If enacted, OFPP and USDA would provide educational materials to federal procuring agencies about biobased product life, savings, and performance. OFPP must annually collect and publish which biobased product categories cannot meet procurement needs and desired performance traits. The Secretary must report within 90 days on federal statistical collections related to NAICS and NAPCS codes and recommend possible code revisions in 2027.
Pilot allowing some custom-exempt meat sales
If enacted, States (or USDA where applicable) could run pilots allowing limited custom-exempt slaughter facilities to sell meat directly to in‑state consumers. Initial approvals would be limited (up to 5 per State or up to 10 nationally), products must be labeled and not resold, facilities must meet humane and sanitation rules, and the pilot would end September 30, 2031.
Repeal of a 2023 appropriations provision
If enacted, the bill would repeal Section 773 of division A of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. The repeal would remove the rules and requirements that section created. The text provided does not specify which programs or people would be affected.
Repeal of two 2008 farm bill sections
If enacted, the bill would repeal two named sections of the 2008 farm bill (7 U.S.C. 3202 and 7 U.S.C. 5937), removing the authorities or program text in those sections. The repeal would change the legal framework for any programs or activities that relied on those sections.
Pilot to move certain microbes between labs
If enacted, the Secretary must start a pilot allowing up to 75 responsible parties to move certain genetically engineered plant‑pest microorganisms between approved biocontainment facilities without a permit. The program would begin within set time limits, accept web applications for a 45‑day window, and require strict eligibility, packaging, recordkeeping, inspection access, and quarterly reporting. The pilot eases permitting for qualified parties but imposes caps and detailed compliance rules.
4‑H name and emblem rules
If enacted, the Secretary could regulate and authorize commercial and other uses of the 4‑H name and emblem and charge a fee or not. Any fees collected would go into a special 4‑H account to be spent for the 4‑H Program. The Attorney General or contract counsel could bring Lanham Act suits against unauthorized commercial uses. Uses lawful on December 26, 2020 would remain lawful.
Forest easement and ESA assurances
If enacted, the bill would repeal the Healthy Forests Reserve Program for new applicants but keep existing contracts and allow prior CCC funds (FY2019–FY2025) to finish existing obligations. Landowners who enroll eligible land in a forest reserve easement and achieve a net conservation benefit would be eligible for Endangered Species Act safe‑harbor or similar permit assurances and could receive payments for extra protective measures and permit costs. The bill would also limit when the government must reinitiate ESA consultations for certain approved land plans.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Thompson (PA)
PA • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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