The Farm Bill, biotech rules, and seed trade policy are all in the hands of key lawmakers — some of whom won’t be back after 2026. Here’s who’s making decisions now, who’s leaving and how to get involved before the next vote.
In the seed industry, what happens in Washington doesn’t stay in Washington — it directly impacts your labs, boardrooms, fields and your bottom line. Whether it’s regulatory clarity on gene editing or support for public breeding programs, policy decisions ripple through the entire value chain.
And this year, the stakes are especially high. With the Farm Bill still on hold and several key players preparing for retirement or reelection battles, the next 18 months could reshape ag policy for a decade.
Here’s your guide to the policymakers influencing the seed sector right now — and why 2026 could mark a major turning point.
The Farm Bill: Why It Matters for Seed
The Farm Bill is passed every five years and shapes how billions of dollars are spent on agriculture. While best known for food assistance and commodity programs, it directly impacts the seed sector in key ways:
Research Funding
Supports plant breeding, genetics and biotech innovation through NIFA, ARS and FFAR — fueling public-private breakthroughs in trait development and crop resilience.
Conservation Programs
Incentivizes the use of cover crops, pollinator species and forage seed through EQIP, CSP and RCPP — creating demand for diverse seed types and regional mixes.
Trade Promotion
Funds export development for U.S. seed companies through MAP and FMD — vital for global seed corn, vegetable and forage markets.
Specialty Crops
Includes dedicated support for flower and vegetable seed development via the Specialty Crop Research Initiative and Block Grant Program.
Biotech Oversight
Sets funding and priorities for modernizing biotech approvals and improving coordination between USDA, EPA and FDA.
Bottom Line:
The Farm Bill is more than a subsidy bill — it’s a roadmap for how the U.S. invests in seed innovation, conservation and market access.
The 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023, and Congress passed a one-year extension. Finalizing a new bill will require coordination from both chambers — and could be delayed further if political turnover reshuffles committee leadership.
Who’s at the Helm in 2025
House Agriculture Committee
This committee drafts the House version of the Farm Bill and drives policy for rural development, conservation and ag research.
- Chairman: Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15)
- Ranking Member: Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN-02)
- Other Notables: Reps. Frank Lucas (R-OK), Austin Scott (R-GA), Rick Crawford (R-AR)
Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee
The Senate’s counterpart committee wields broad influence over food, biotech, and trade provisions in the Farm Bill.
- Chairman: Sen. John Boozman (R-AR)
- Ranking Member: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
- Influential Voices: Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Roger Marshall (R-KS)
Who’s Leaving or Facing a Tough Race in 2026?
The 2026 election cycle will reshape both chambers. Some major voices in ag policy are stepping down or running in competitive races. Let’s break it down.
Senate Departures & Elections:
- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY): Not seeking reelection after nearly 40 years in office, leaving a powerful leadership void.
- Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): Retiring, opening a competitive New England seat
- Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): Also retiring, leaving a powerful leadership void
- Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): Running again in what could be a key GOP seat to defend
- Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Lindsey Graham (R-SC): All expected to run for reelection
U.S. House:
All 435 House seats — including those of Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member Craig — will be up for election.
Executive Branch Players to Know
Brooke Rollins – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
A former White House policy advisor, Rollins has made rural development, innovation and deregulation key parts of her agenda.
Kailee Tkacz Buller – USDA Chief of Staff
With deep ties to the oilseed and food labeling sectors, Buller brings industry experience that could shape USDA’s stance on bioengineering, seed trade and sustainability metrics.
The RFK Jr. Factor
As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. oversees the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which reviews the safety of genetically engineered crops entering the food system. While the USDA handles plant approvals and the EPA manages environmental reviews, FDA decisions affect how quickly new biotech traits move into markets. Kennedy could push for stricter reviews of gene-edited crops, slow down approvals for new seed innovations or advocate for changes to biotech food labeling — creating regulatory delays for seed companies.
Influence on Public Perception of Seed Technology
Kennedy’s public skepticism toward biotechnology could erode consumer trust in products derived from genetically engineered seeds. Even subtle shifts in messaging could increase demand for non-GMO, organic or heirloom seeds. Programs like school lunches and institutional food procurement could also move toward sourcing from non-GE crops, altering demand patterns for seed companies.
Nutritional Guidelines and Functional Traits
Through HHS, Kennedy co-leads the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which shape federal nutrition programs and influence agricultural research priorities. There could be a shift toward favoring “natural” nutrition sources, potentially deprioritizing seed innovations that use genetic engineering to enhance traits like nutrient density or drought tolerance.
Intersection With USDA and EPA
Although he does not control USDA or EPA, Kennedy’s leadership at HHS could create friction over biotech regulation, pesticide tolerances and co-regulatory decisions. Seed treatments, food safety thresholds and approvals for biotech traits could face longer timelines if inter-agency disagreements emerge.
Bottom Line for the Seed Industry
While Kennedy’s role does not directly regulate seeds, his influence over biotechnology policy, food labeling and public trust could have lasting effects. Seed companies should closely monitor FDA actions, participate in public comment periods, and proactively educate customers about the safety, science and value of seed innovation.
Tools to Stay Connected
Find Your Representatives
Use this searchable Congressional Directory at congress.gov/members to identify your lawmakers and see their ag committee roles.
Watch for Public Comments
Policies around biotech approval, seed labeling and conservation programs often go through public comment at Regulations.gov.
Get Industry Updates
Track policy alerts and action opportunities through:
- American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) – betterseed.org
- Independent Professional Seed Association – ipseed.org
- Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) – seedalliance.org
With the next Farm Bill still under construction and influential seats changing hands, the decisions made now — or not made — will echo across the seed sector.
If you’ve never picked up the phone, sent a comment, or walked the halls of Capitol Hill, now’s the time. The seed industry has too much at stake to sit this one out.
Sidebar:
3 Ways to Influence Seed Policy
1. Know Your Lawmakers
Use the Congressional Directory to look up your U.S. Senators and Representatives. Check their committee assignments — especially if they serve on agriculture, appropriations or science committees.
2. Comment Where It Counts
Visit Regulations.gov to weigh in on proposed USDA rules that affect biotech approvals, seed labeling, conservation seed programs and more. Public comments help shape final policy.
3. Engage Through Your Industry Association
Join advocacy efforts from organizations like the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA), or the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). These groups coordinate Capitol Hill visits, share policy updates and create opportunities for members to speak directly with lawmakers.
