Farm Bill
After passing the House 224-200, the farm bill is headed to the Senate, where SNAP funding could be another problematic topic.
Following the House passage of H.R. 7567, industry organizations are urgently calling on the Senate to swiftly approve the bipartisan farm bill to provide vital economic stability and competitive investments for American family farms.
While the USDA begins rolling out long-awaited specialty crop grants, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles warns that the $1 billion in emergency relief for the industry remains stuck in neutral, leaving farmers waiting on urgently needed relief that has yet to arrive.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance joined more than 50 agricultural organizations from across the country on March 19 to urge assistance for America’s farmers.
The National Potato Council CEO breaks down the push for a more resilient farm bill and why targeted relief is essential for the future of specialty crops and U.S. growers.
Why is a long-term farm bill even needed with the provisions included in the One Big Beautiful Bill? Industry leaders explain their views on the issue.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles details how the industry moved from the legislative sidelines to the heart of the 2026 Farm Bill.
In a letter to the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the caucus calls for the immediate release of the $1 billion in USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance Program aid earmarked for specialty crop producers.
Just the russet variety of potatoes alone are looking at $500 million in losses this year, says National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance says it stands “ready to work with the administration and Congress to advance a meaningful assistance package to support specialty crop growers during this difficult period.”
With Congress passing another extension, some economists suggest a new reality may be setting in: the era of comprehensive Farm Bills could be ending, replaced by a piecemeal approach in Washington.
The House and Senate Ag Committees are planning to work on language yet this fall on a Farm bill 2.0., but at least one Washington ag lobbyist says he expects it will be difficult to get passed.
The April Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor found most agricultural economists think it could be 2026 before we see Congress final pass a new bill. One reason why is the fact Congress passed $10 billion in ECAP payments late last year.
Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council, says while funding cuts for ag research could have a devastating impact, more details are needed about the FY2026 budget to truly understand the cuts.
Organizations representing agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development and more sent a letter to congressional leaders, urging them to act.
Steve Cubbage says the upcoming farm bill could decide if the U.S. gets a taste for Europe’s recent farmer protests.
According to recent testimony, top farm bill priorities for specialty crops include research, crop insurance, conservation and the climate, nutrition, the Specialty Crop Block Grants initiative, organics and trade.
The hybrid conference seeks to impart thought-provoking advancements and updates from the USDA’s 29 agencies, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack leading the event.
What makes the 2023 organic agenda according to the association? It basically comes down to having responsive organic standards, supporting American farmers and empowering organic supply chains.
Maintaining the dignity of lower-income shoppers and increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for all are key goals that the National Grocers Association is pushing for in the 2023 farm bill.
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule, filed unofficially by the USDA on Jan. 18, represents the biggest update in the program’s history and bolsters organic integrity according to industry leaders.
This year the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service will select up to three states to receive funding and support to run an Electronic Healthy Incentives Pilot, or eHIP, for SNAP participants in their state.
California-based Elevated Foods granted $20 million from USDA to support farms and working lands with climate-smart ag practices and expand markets.
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is among those encouraging lawmakers to protect farm bill investments in specialty crops.
“We rely on the support of farm bill funding and programs to ensure continued U.S. leadership as the provider of the best seed to the world,” said Katy Rainey, Purdue associate professor, at the Senate Ag hearing.
The 2023 farm bill will have tremendous influence on your farm. It will affect what U.S. agriculture does, and how we’ll feed the world, over the next five years.
The U.S. Apple Association’s board of directors visited the White House on March 15 to meet with White House policy staff and discuss “critical issues impacting the apple industry.”