The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 by a vote of 224-200, advancing sweeping agricultural legislation that addresses food assistance, animal disease preparedness, trade promotion and interstate commerce issues.
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, called it some of the most important work of his congressional career.
“It is clearer every day that farm country needs updated policy that reflects current challenges, and the 2026 farm bill fills that gap,” Thompson said in a statement following the vote.
Historic bipartisan support
Fourteen Democrats voted in favor of the bill, the highest level of minority party support for a House farm bill since 2008. More than 96% of the Republican Conference also voted in favor, the highest level of GOP support for a House farm bill in history, according to Thompson’s office.
Thompson also highlighted a separate victory for rural energy interests, thanking members of the Biofuels Caucus for securing a future House vote on year-round E15 sales scheduled for May 13.
Key provisions support industry priorities
The legislation maintains the current Conservation Reserve Program cap and increases funding for the Market Access Program and other trade programs, which strengthen export opportunities and support U.S. agriculture competitiveness.
The National Pork Producers Council said the final bill included 100% of its policy priorities, with the most significant being a provision providing relief from California’s Proposition 12, which established minimum space requirements for farm animals whose products are sold in the state.
Feed industry applauds trade, animal health provisions
The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) praised the House passage, emphasizing the bill’s importance for the animal food industry.
“We are thankful to the House for heeding the agriculture industry’s calls for the swift approval of a comprehensive bipartisan farm bill,” said AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman. “The animal food industry, which is uniquely positioned at the beginning of the animal protein food chain, depends on strong trade policy, reliable markets and a secure agricultural supply environment to thrive and feed Americans.”
Beyond increased funding for market access programs, the farm bill includes the Safe American Food Exports Act of 2025, which provides additional resources for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate regionalization agreements that would reduce trade disruptions in the event of an animal disease outbreak. Also included is the Securing American Agriculture Act concept, which would require USDA to assess threats to critical agricultural inputs, such as vitamins and amino acids, and develop strategies to reduce U.S. reliance on China.
The National Grain and Feed Association applauded the legislation for delivering critical policy certainty and including a full reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.
“A long-term farm bill is essential to maintaining a strong and competitive U.S. agricultural sector,” said Mike Seyfert, president and CEO of the association. “This legislation provides the certainty needed for businesses across the grain and feed industry to make investments, manage risk, and continue supporting a resilient and efficient supply chain.”
Industrial hemp provisions create clearer regulatory framework
The Hemp Feed Coalition applauded the bill’s industrial hemp language that creates a clearer distinction between producers growing only industrial hemp and producers growing hemp for other purposes.
“For too long, industrial hemp has been regulated in ways that do not reflect the plant’s actual agricultural purpose,” said Andrew Bish, President of the Hemp Feed Coalition. “This language helps restore the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill by recognizing that hemp grown for grain, fiber, and other industrial uses should not be confused with floral hemp.”
The bill allows State, Tribal, and USDA plans to use more appropriate compliance tools for industrial hemp, including visual inspections, performance-based sampling, and certified seed.
“The inclusion of the bifurcation language in the House Farm Bill is a landmark step forward for our industry,” said Wendy Mosher, Vice President of the Hemp Feed Coalition. “This policy provides the regulatory certainty that farmers and manufacturers need to grow and scale their operations to offer some of the most nutritious feed ingredients out there.”
Young farmers express disappointment
While many agricultural groups praised the legislation, the National Young Farmers Coalition expressed deep disappointment, arguing it falls short of addressing urgent challenges facing agriculture today.
“The House proposal is ultimately shortsighted, offering young and beginning farmers breadcrumbs when what is needed is a comprehensive commitment to their success in agriculture,” said Vanessa Garcia Polanco, Government Relations Director with Young Farmers. “Young farmers are asking for a Farm Bill that actually improves conditions on the ground — one that expands access to land, strengthens pathways to credit, and invests in resilient local food systems.”
At a time of rising farm bankruptcies, increasing barriers to land and capital, and soaring input prices, the coalition said the bill offers only incremental steps instead of bold action needed to keep farmers on the land.
Hot rotisserie chicken provision draws wide support
Among the amendments adopted was a provision allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants to purchase hot rotisserie chicken using their benefits. Under current law, SNAP recipients can buy rotisserie chicken if it is cold but not hot, a distinction the National Chicken Council has long argued has no nutritional basis.
The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., passed 384-35.
“The ‘Hot Rotisserie Chicken Act’ is popular because it’s a winner on affordability and nutrition,” said Harrison Kircher, president of the National Chicken Council. At roughly $7, a rotisserie chicken is among the most affordable complete protein options available in grocery stores. Approximately 42 million Americans currently rely on SNAP benefits.
