URGENT UPDATE: Lawmakers are being called to action as farmers face escalating challenges that threaten America’s food security. A new farm bill is essential, and Congress must act NOW to provide critical support for agricultural families and communities.
During a recent roundtable discussion in Texas, officials including Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson emphasized the urgent need for a modernized farm bill. Farmers shared their pressing concerns, spotlighting the precarious situation they face amid rising costs and uncertainty.
The current climate for agriculture is dire. Since 2017, the U.S. has lost over 175,000 farms, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This alarming trend raises significant concerns regarding food security and the future of American agriculture. The last farm bill, drafted nearly a decade ago, does not address the realities of today’s economy, which has been severely impacted by the pandemic, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
WHY THIS MATTERS: The farm bill transcends traditional agricultural policy; it ensures a stable food supply for every American, whether in rural towns or urban cities. It supports vital conservation efforts, strengthens research initiatives, and fortifies rural communities. As costs for fuel, fertilizer, and labor soar, farmers urgently need tools to manage risk and maintain their operations.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made strides in enhancing the farm safety net, but it does not replace the necessity for a comprehensive farm bill. Each day that passes without legislative action increases uncertainty for farmers, who are already under immense pressure to produce safe and abundant food.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Chairman Thompson’s initiative to release bill text and progress it to a committee markup indicates that Congress is capable of action. However, passing the farm bill requires sustained momentum. Lawmakers must prioritize feedback from those directly affected—the farmers and ranchers living the realities of agricultural policy.
Farmers are encouraged to make their voices heard through the Farm Bureau’s Action Center at fb.org/action-center. Engaging in this process is crucial for ensuring that Congress understands the urgency and importance of finalizing a bipartisan farm bill.
As developments unfold, it is imperative that Congress completes this essential task. The future of American agriculture and the reliability of our food supply depend on a strong, modern farm bill that addresses today’s challenges and secures the agricultural landscape for years to come.
America’s farmers are counting on Congress to act decisively, ensuring that they can continue their vital role in feeding the nation. The time to act is NOW.
