With the WASDE report released on Monday and the subsequent decline in commodity prices—driven by tariffs and reduced trade partnerships—Congress has moved swiftly to develop a response for American farmers. The encouraging news is that leaders on both sides of the aisle acknowledge the scope and urgency of the need.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson (R-PA), Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR), and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman John Hoeven (R-ND) are currently discussing a second tranche of agricultural assistance, reportedly totaling approximately $15 billion. This package is expected to be attached to this month’s government funding legislation. Chairman Boozman stated that he hopes to finalize the plan “fairly shortly,” while Chairman Thompson noted, “We’re looking at exactly what the need is and how it would be dispersed.”
Additionally, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced a framework this week for the Family and Farm Relief Act. According to a one-page summary, the proposal would provide approximately $29 billion in farm relief, $28 billion in SNAP relief, and include tariff relief measures. Ranking Member Craig stated on Thursday that the proposal “[helps] all Americans by reining in tariffs that have increased the cost of living, giving states breathing room to adapt to shifting SNAP rules, and providing an economic lifeline to farmers so they can continue to feed our nation and the world.”
According to a release from Rep. Craig’s office, the proposal includes $29 billion for a one-time supplemental payment to agricultural producers—particularly specialty crop growers and foresters—and additional aid for crops eligible under USDA’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program (FBA), including prevented planting acres that are not currently covered by FBA. The framework would also provide relief to states and SNAP recipients by delaying the SNAP benefits cost-shift by four years and the increased administrative cost-shift by two years. Tariff relief is also included in the proposal.
There is also discussion of a potential “Farm Bill 2.0” as early as next month. Several outstanding provisions are currently being scored by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which could lead to a February markup of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
In addition, lawmakers are engaging in discussions around labor legislation reforms. With border security viewed as stabilized by Republicans, there is renewed willingness to discuss work visa programs.
Please watch for details on our upcoming Spring Update meetings. As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me or your local agent.