Farm Groups Urge Senate to Revive Bipartisan Farm Bill After Committee Setback
August 6, 2026 Major U.S. commodity organizations are urging lawmakers to quickly resume bipartisan negotiations after the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry failed to advance the Agriculture Act of 2026, delaying action on a long-awaited five-year farm bill.
The legislation, commonly referred to as “Farm Bill 2.0,” fell short of the votes needed to move out of committee during Thursday’s markup. The bill contained several provisions supported by agricultural groups, including language to allow year-round sales of fuel blended with 15% ethanol (E15), updates to the farm safety net, and other policy priorities.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) expressed disappointment over the setback, emphasizing the importance of passing legislation that would expand access to E15.
“We are extremely disappointed that legislation important to so many Americans failed to advance,” said NCGA President Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer. “This bill was particularly important to corn growers who have long pushed for legislation that would allow for the year-round sale of E15, a bright spot in an otherwise dim economic outlook.”
Bower urged senators to approve a bipartisan farm bill that extends consumer access to E15 while addressing the needs of America’s farmers.
“We are running out of time in this Congress and urge action as quickly as possible,” he said.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) also called on lawmakers to use the August congressional recess to continue negotiations and resolve remaining differences before returning in September.
Soybean growers continue to face rising production costs, depressed commodity prices, and ongoing trade uncertainty, according to the organization.
“Today’s action delays much-needed progress toward enacting a bipartisan five-year farm bill,” ASA said in a statement. The group encouraged lawmakers to engage directly with farmers and agricultural stakeholders during the recess and return prepared to advance comprehensive legislation.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) likewise urged Senate Agriculture Committee leaders to quickly reconvene and continue work on the bill.
While disappointed the legislation did not advance, NAWG noted the committee adopted several agricultural priorities during the markup, including language that would permanently transfer the Food for Peace program to USDA.
“Wheat growers need the certainty of an updated farm safety net as farmers continue to face significant economic pressure,” the organization said, adding it will continue working with lawmakers to support passage of a bipartisan farm bill as well as additional economic and disaster assistance.
Despite representing different commodities, all three organizations delivered a consistent message: farmers need the certainty of a new five-year farm bill, and Congress should use the remaining legislative calendar to reach a bipartisan agreement and move the legislation forward.
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