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Agricultural and conservation groups said they are cautiously optimistic after House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson introduced a new Farm Bill proposal Friday afternoon aimed at restarting stalled negotiations in Congress.
Thompson, a Pennsylvania Republican, unveiled the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026,” which is scheduled for consideration by the House Agriculture Committee beginning Feb. 23.
If advanced, the legislation could reach the House floor later this spring. Agriculture-aligned conservation groups welcomed the move as a signal of progress after months of uncertainty. Several farm-related matters were previously addressed in last year’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented on the House Agriculture Committee release of its version of the farm bill, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
“Farmers appreciate Chairman G.T. Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their work in drafting a new, modernized farm bill. The legislation is needed more than ever as America’s farmers and ranchers struggle through the worst economic storm in generations.
“We’re still reviewing the text of the bill, but it includes important updates to credit, conservation, research, and rural development programs, and calls for expansion of specialty crop programs. The bill also preserves interstate commerce to enable farmers to remain competitive in the evolving marketplace.
“We urge the House Agriculture Committee to work in a bipartisan manner to find consensus and move the bill forward. Additionally, in light of the ongoing economic conditions plaguing rural America, Farm Bureau will continue to work with congressional leaders on our top priorities including additional funding for bridge assistance payments, year-round E15 and a solution to our agricultural labor crisis.”
Aaron Field, director of private lands conservation for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said the Farm Bill plays a critical role in supporting working lands, wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation tied to agriculture.
Groups emphasized that bipartisan support will be required for passage and said they plan to closely review the bill’s conservation and forestry provisions as the legislative process moves forward.
NAFB news service, AFBF news release
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