WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Beyond financial protections, the upcoming Farm Bill fight is shaping into a battle over market access, regulation, and whether long-term policy certainty returns to agriculture.
The proposal expands export promotion funding, shifts Food for Peace authority to the USDA, and increases support for overseas market development programs. Lawmakers also target foreign trade barriers and infrastructure constraints that affect U.S. agricultural competitiveness.
Farm-Level Takeaway: The debate now matters as much as the policy — market rules and regulatory clarity depend on whether Congress can finish the bill this year.
Tony St. James
Regulatory provisions narrow water jurisdiction rules, clarify livestock production standards across state lines, and reduce pesticide approval uncertainty — all issues producers have argued add operational risk. Rural development sections fund broadband, health facilities, childcare, and processing capacity to stabilize rural economies that support agriculture.
However, passage is far from certain. Nutrition spending disputes, SNAP reforms, and broader budget negotiations remain major obstacles as the House Agriculture Committee begins markup.
Failure to pass a full bill would likely mean another short-term extension — continuing uncertainty around support programs and regulatory direction. Markup by the House Agriculture Committee begins on Monday.
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.
February 13, 2026 01:51 PM
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Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson has referred to the proposal as “Farm Bill 2.0.”
February 13, 2026 10:25 AM
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RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney talks about the U.S. House’s latest vote to roll back tariffs on Canada and the ongoing discussions surrounding North American trade.
February 12, 2026 05:02 PM
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Alaska Congressman discusses his new role as Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus and his priorities for the West in the 119th Congress.
February 12, 2026 04:45 PM
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Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and what it could mean for agriculture and rural America.
February 12, 2026 02:48 PM
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The USDA says the framework is about “ending abusive government overreach” and “protecting farmers, families, and private property.”
February 12, 2026 02:05 PM
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China’s reliance on imported soybeans remains entrenched, shaping global demand and trade leverage.
February 12, 2026 10:46 AM
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Cuba remains a steady, nearby buyer of U.S. poultry, pork, dairy, and staples, but legal and compliance risks could still affect shipping and payment channels.
February 12, 2026 10:00 AM
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Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.
February 12, 2026 08:00 AM
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