WASHINGTON, DC – The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026, leaving producers without a new five-year farm bill. Chairman John Boozman says Democrats opposed the measure during Thursday’s markup, extending uncertainty across farm and rural programs.
The bill included updated safety-net provisions, rural development measures, more than 100 bipartisan priorities, and authorization for nationwide year-round E15 sales. Negotiations remained divided over implementation of state cost-sharing requirements within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The setback leaves the 2018 farm bill operating under its third consecutive extension. That authorization expires September 30, increasing pressure on lawmakers to reach a compromise before the current congressional calendar closes.
The American Farm Bureau Federation urged senators to resume negotiations, warning that producers are facing multiple years of financial losses. The House passed its version April 30 after committee approval in March.
Lawmakers could return to the proposal, but the failed vote reduces the remaining time for Senate action and eventual negotiations with the House.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Another farm bill delay prolongs uncertainty over safety-net, conservation, credit, and renewable-fuel policy.