WASHINGTON — The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on Wednesday.
“The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is grateful to Chairman Boozman and his staff for convening today’s markup and favorably reporting the Agricultural Act of 2026. We continue to call upon Congress to enact a bipartisan farm bill before the end of this year.”
The SCFBA is co-chaired by Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association; Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association; Dave Puglia, President and CEO of Western Growers; and Kam Quarles, CEO of the National Potato Council.
The Senate Agriculture Committee’s failed to advance its version of the farm bill in early August, mostly due to disagreements over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
GT Thompson Quote
The legislation complements the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, led by House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) and passed out of the House of Representatives in April.
“Advancing the Agricultural Act of 2026 from committee is a significant step in the right direction as we work to restore certainty and common sense to agricultural policy,” Chairman Thompson said. “Farm country cannot wait any longer for updated policies, and I applaud Chairman Boozman and Senate Republicans for recognizing this urgency, even as Senate Democrats refuse to come to the table to support American producers. Passing a full, five-year farm bill remains my top priority, and I look forward to working with any lawmakers who make good faith efforts to support our producers in the coming months.”