What's Happening?
The likelihood of passing a comprehensive five-year farm bill in 2026 is uncertain, as lawmakers and experts express differing views on the matter. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law earlier
this year, included some farm bill provisions but left others unaddressed. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn 'GT' Thompson and Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman remain optimistic about progress on a new farm bill, despite challenges such as high input costs and inflation affecting farmers. However, former Farm Service Agency director Jonathan Coppess warns that the Act has severed the political link between food assistance and farm programs, complicating future farm bill negotiations. The Act doubled spending on commodity subsidies while cutting food assistance by over $200 billion, a move Coppess describes as unprecedented.
Why It's Important?
The division over the 2026 farm bill highlights significant shifts in U.S. agricultural policy. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act's changes have disrupted the traditional linkage between food assistance and farm programs, which has been a cornerstone of farm bills since the 1960s. This shift could lead to increased political challenges in passing future farm bills, as the balance between supporting farmers and providing food assistance becomes more contentious. The changes could impact farmers who rely on subsidies and low-income households dependent on food assistance, potentially leading to increased economic strain in rural areas and among vulnerable populations.
What's Next?
As lawmakers prepare to revisit farm bill negotiations in January, the focus will be on addressing unresolved issues such as loan limits and the broader implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The extension of the 2018 Farm Bill until September 30, 2026, provides a temporary reprieve, but the need for a comprehensive solution remains. Stakeholders, including farmers, policymakers, and advocacy groups, will likely engage in intense discussions to shape the future of U.S. agricultural policy. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the agricultural sector and food security in the U.S.
