Farm Bill passes out of House Committee on Agriculture

On March 5, the House Agriculture Committee passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

The act, which Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) has called a "modern farm bill for modern challenges," passed with bipartisan support.

The next step for the long-awaited Farm Bill is a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill aims to expand disaster protection, improve crop insurance for specialty crops, invest in research and improve access to capital.

The legislation passed the Committee 34-17, with all Republicans and seven Democrats supporting the bill. The seven Democrats are: Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-01), Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02), Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA-13), Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI-08) and Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY-19).

"Today, my colleagues at the House Committee on Agriculture stepped up for farm country and passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 out of committee. I am proud of this bill, as well as the work that’s been done to improve it during the last two days," Thompson said in a statement.

"After a markup that lasted over 20 hours, the legislation reflects the will of the committee, and it is filled with bipartisan provisions that will move the needle for farmers, ranchers and rural Americans across the country," he continued. "Throughout this markup, it became clearer than ever before that our country needs a new farm bill, and we don’t need it next year, or next Congress. We need it now. I look forward to working in good faith with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle as we move toward a final vote on the House floor."

More than 230 stakeholder organizations across the agricultural supply chain supported the bill, including AmericanHort.

"AmericanHort appreciates Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson’s continued leadership in advancing a strong 2026 Farm Bill that recognizes the vital role of specialty crops and ornamental horticulture," Ken Fisher, president and CEO of AmericanHort said in a statement. "Our industry supports nearly 3 million American jobs and contributes $520 billion to the U.S. economy. Farm Bill enhancements in research, plant health and grower support programs are essential to sustaining this momentum.

"We are encouraged by the committee’s focus on strengthening the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, plant pest and disease management programs, and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. These are practical tools that enable growers to innovate, manage risk and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace," Fisher continued. "We look forward to continued collaboration with the House Agriculture Committee to ensure the final bill delivers meaningful, long-term support for specialty crop producers and the broader horticulture sector."

During the two days of markup, members of the committee made several adjustments to the bill. To read more information about the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 from AmericanHort, click here.

With committee approval secured, the next step for the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is consideration on the House floor.

AmericanHort has asked its members to contact their representatives and urge them to support bringing the bill to a vote. Click here to learn more.