With a first draft of a new Farm Bill hitting the news cycle, I went out searching for reactions and compiled many of them here. Have an opinion you’d be willing to share? Let me know!
Agricultural organizations across the United States are weighing in as Congress begins debating the first draft of a new farm bill.
Commodity groups, farm organizations and industry associations say the legislation is an important step toward providing stability for farmers, though some groups say additional improvements are still needed.
The House Agriculture Committee advanced the proposed legislation earlier this month, setting the stage for continued debate as lawmakers work toward replacing the 2018 Farm Bill, which has been extended multiple times.
Several agricultural organizations praised committee leaders for moving the process forward after years of delays.
“Farmers appreciate the work Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee have done in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. It will provide much-needed certainty for farmers who are facing record high expenses and historically low crop prices,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.
He added that farmers need new policy tools as economic pressures mount across the sector.
“After three years of delays, farmers desperately need policy that will help give them the tools and certainty to continue growing food and fiber for every family in America,” Duvall said.
Commodity organizations also welcomed the committee’s action while emphasizing the economic challenges farmers are facing.
“We are pleased to see that the House Committee on Agriculture has advanced the 2026 Farm Bill, which builds upon the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s investments in agriculture and addresses additional programs and policies important to corn growers,” said Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association.
Bower also thanked lawmakers for advancing the legislation.
“We congratulate Chairman Thompson for his persistence in moving the Farm Bill an important step further and appreciate Ranking Member Craig for her leadership,” he said.
Soybean growers expressed similar support for the committee’s progress.
“We are grateful to Chairman Thompson for his leadership and tireless work to champion the advancement of a full, five-year farm bill,” said Scott Metzger, president of the American Soybean Association.
Metzger said the legislation arrives at a challenging time for farmers.
“Soybean farmers are facing major headwinds, and the provisions included in this 2026 Farm Bill will help farmers across the country navigate changing market dynamics and ongoing farm production and economic challenges,” he said.
Wheat growers also emphasized the need for a strong safety net as the legislation moves forward.
“NAWG applauds Chairman Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for advancing the 2026 Farm Bill. Wheat growers across the country need a strong farm bill that reflects the economic realities farmers are facing today,” said Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Goule said updates to the farm safety net remain critical for producers.
“A modernized farm safety net is essential to ensuring that wheat growers can continue producing a safe, affordable and abundant food supply,” he said.
While several organizations praised the committee’s progress, others said the proposal does not yet fully address the challenges facing farmers.
“Family farmers and ranchers are facing a significant economic crisis, and the next farm bill should reflect that reality,” Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union, said in a statement.
Larew said the organization believes the current proposal falls short.
“Regrettably, the bill that will be considered by the agriculture committee fails to match the magnitude of the challenges facing family farmers and ranchers today,” he said.
Seed industry leaders also say the legislation plays an important role in supporting agricultural innovation.
“ASTA applauds Chairman Thompson for his tireless effort to move a farm bill. In order to support America’s farmers, seed producers need certainty to continue delivering the high-quality, professionally produced seed that provides the food, feed, fiber and fuel that keeps our world moving,” said Andy LaVigne, president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association, in an ASTA news release.
LaVigne added that the legislation also supports innovation in plant breeding and seed development.
“The farm bill helps U.S. seed companies by supporting modern agriculture through robustly funded research programs and improved market access. This legislation also provides much needed regulatory clarification for plant breeders to drive innovation in the U.S. seed sector,” he said.
As lawmakers continue negotiations, agricultural organizations say passing a new farm bill remains critical for farmers and the industries that support them.
For many in agriculture, the message is clear: after years of delays and extensions, producers are looking to Congress for certainty as they plan for the future.
Sources:
The following organizations issued official statements responding to the draft farm bill or its advancement through the House Agriculture Committee. Follow the links below to read the full statements.
American Seed Trade Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
National Corn Growers Association
American Soybean Association
National Farmers Union
National Association of Wheat Growers
