Senate farm bill draft fails to meet the current moment

(WASHINGTON) – The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry this week released a discussion draft for its Agricultural Act of 2026: Farm Bill 2.0. While this discussion draft includes some improvements from the House version, it ultimately does not meet the current moment.

“At a time when farmers and ranchers are facing economic uncertainty and increasingly challenging growing conditions, this bill cuts investments to the very conservation programs that help these producers build resilience, improve soil health and water quality, and strengthen their operations.

“We are particularly concerned that the draft once again redirects billions of dollars from the popular and oversubscribed Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Farmers across the country are seeking support to implement conservation practices that help them adapt to changing conditions. Congress should meet that growing demand.

“The best way to support farmers and ranchers is through a bipartisan farm bill that preserves and strengthens conservation investments, supports USDA's capacity to deliver assistance to producers, and invests in the innovation needed to keep U.S. agriculture competitive for generations to come.”