Ceres urges U.S. Congress to close gaps for strong, affordable, resilient agricultural economy

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) that the U.S. House of Representatives passed falls short of what American food, beverage, apparel, and agriculture companies need to compete globally, navigate ongoing climate and trade volatility, and support the farmers and ranchers in their supply chains, Ceres said in a statement.

“American companies and investors came to Capitol Hill this March with four asks for this Congress: pass a Farm Bill, expand conservation funding, open pathways for innovation, and build durable markets for conservation and regenerative products,” said Zach Friedman, senior director, federal policy, at Ceres. “The House delivered on the first ask but left the rest largely on the table. The Senate now has the chance to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill that will unleash solutions for a strong, affordable, resilient agriculture system and give American farmers and ranchers—and the companies and consumers that depend on them—the tools they need to compete and thrive in today’s economy. We urge Congress to prioritize passing a Farm Bill that meets that standard.” Leading American food, beverage, apparel, and consumer goods companies were on Capitol Hill in March for LEAD on a Clean Economy to advocate for a bipartisan Farm Bill that delivers economic opportunity and resilience for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

The House-passed Farm Bill preserves several provisions that businesses championed at LEAD, including reforms that streamline technical service provider certification and provisions that make it easier for supply chain partners to co-invest with USDA through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Yet, the bill has significant omissions:

Research and innovation

• The House failed to renew funding for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, which generates $1.40 in private capital for every federal dollar.

• The House did not include the Innovative FEED Act, which would cut red tape for next-generation feed additives, creating a clearer approval process for products that improve efficiency and resiliency while expanding competition and lowering producer costs

Conservation and methane

• The House did not include funding to broaden voluntary USDA research, testing, and on-farm conservation program incentives for enteric methane-reducing products and practices, helping producers compete in emerging markets without imposing mandates

• The House removed federal emissions standards on farm equipment, adding new uncertainty for companies that work with farmers to reduce pollution.

Ceres will continue to work with Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman, Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, and policymakers on both sides of the aisle on a final Farm Bill that delivers on these priorities. Companies and investors will be back on Capitol Hill in the weeks ahead to make that case directly.

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About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world’s sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.