GRAY SECURES MAJOR WINS FOR CENTRAL VALLEY FARMERS, BUSINESSES, AND RURAL COMMUNITIES IN 2026 FARM BILL

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) used his position on the House Committee on Agriculture this week to push for and secure important priorities for Central Valley farmers, businesses, and rural communities in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, this is the major multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs that are essential to Valley growers and producers.

"I am proud to represent one of the world's largest agricultural regions," said Congressman Gray. "That's why I am committed to delivering bipartisan results for Valley farmers, ranchers, dairymen, and their families. Committee passage of this Farm Bill is an important first step to ensure that our agricultural communities have the resources, support, and certainty they need to continue to feed families across the country."

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 would expand risk management tools for farmers, protect American-grown commodities, and support precision agriculture and new technology. Specifically, the legislation supports specialty crop growers by strengthening research and development, doubling funding for the Market Access Program (MAP), the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), and the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) programs. Additionally, it establishes a specialty crop advisory committee for policy development and expansion, expands procurement programs, and improves the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

During markup of the legislation, the Committee unanimously passed two of Congressman Gray's amendments offered on behalf of Central Valley farmers that would:

• Require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to report to Congress how changes to or expiration of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will affect the agriculture industry; and
• Provide states with the flexibility to allocate up to 20% of their Emergency Food Assistance Program funding towards the USDA Department of Defense (DOD) Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This program allows states to use their resources on locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, Congressman Gray was also able to secure a commitment from Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) to secure billions of dollars in long-overdue economic assistance for specialty crop growers through a future government funding bill. Valley specialty crops have been hit particularly hard over the past year due to trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and weakened market competition.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:

California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass: "Farmers and ranchers have been without certainty of a new farm bill since it first expired in 2023, and have been grappling with low commodity prices, rising supply costs, inflation and uncertain international trade dynamics. California Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Adam Gray for his support on the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Passing an updated farm bill is critical to managing risk on the farm, keeping rural communities thriving and feeding our nation and the world."

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance: "The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance appreciates Rep. Gray for his support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. The bill aligns with the Alliance's priorities, and Representative Gray's amendment - expanding government procurement to encompass a broader selection of fruits and vegetables - further enhances its impact, benefiting a greater number of growers. We thank him for his work on behalf of specialty crop producers in California and across the United States."

Alexi Rodriguez, CEO of Almond Alliance: "On behalf of the Almond Alliance, I commend Congressman Gray for his vote to advance the Farm Bill, a decision that directly supports thousands of jobs up and down California's Central Valley. By backing a bill that strengthens export promotion, improves disaster and risk-management tools for tree crops, invests in research, conservation, and precision agriculture, Congressman Gray is helping safeguard paychecks for farmworkers, growers, processors, and transportation workers who all depend on a competitive, resilient almond industry."

Caitie Diemel, Executive Director, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau: "Stanislaus County Farm Bureau appreciates Congressman Adam Gray's leadership and support on including our farmers and ranchers' needs in the Farm Bill. These programs lead to a more effective and sustainable agriculture system and ultimately support our local communities."

Dave Puglia Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia: "Specialty crop growers in the San Joaquin Valley thank Rep. Gray for his leadership on the Farm Bill, and his acknowledgement that this legislation is necessary to provide long-lasting solutions for the challenges facing American agriculture."

Ian LeMay, California Table Grape Commission President: "The California Table Grape Commission appreciates Congressman Adam Gray's leadership and engagement in supporting the Farm Bill process and strengthening the competitiveness of specialty crop producers, including California's table grape growers. As specialty crop producers face significant economic pressures, continued representation of the specialty crop community by Congressman Gray is critical to supporting the long-term vitality of the industry."

Michael M. Delbar, CEO, California Rangeland Trust: "The California Rangeland Trust commends Representative Adam Gray for supporting the House Farm Bill, particularly the strengthened Conservation Title. Conserving working lands protects vital environmental benefits - including water resources, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and natural wildfire buffers - while also strengthening America's food security and national security. These improvements will help more producers steward the lands that sustain our environment and the nation's long-term stability."

Todd Sanders, California Apple Commission Executive Director: "As the fifth-largest apple-producing state in the nation, California plays a vital role in American agriculture. The California Apple Commission supports continued progress on the Farm Bill and appreciates Congressman Gray and our Central Valley representatives for their leadership in advancing policies that strengthen California agriculture - particularly the specialty crop industries."

Michelle Borges, California Blueberry Commission Director of Technical Affairs and Operations: "As one of the nation's leading producers of fresh blueberries, California plays an important role in supplying high-quality fruit to consumers across the country and around the world. The California Blueberry Commission urges Congress to advance and complete a strong, forward-looking Farm Bill. We appreciate Congressman Gray and California's congressional delegation for their leadership in supporting policies that promote innovation, sustainability, and the long-term success of specialty crop agriculture.

Jackie Kennedy, Chair of the Olive Oil Commission of California: As a grower and Chair of the Olive Oil Commission of California, I appreciate the dedication of California's congressional delegation, including Congressman Gray, in advancing a strong and effective Farm Bill. An improved Farm Bill is essential to supporting the continued growth, competitiveness, and long-term success of California's expanding extra-virgin olive oil industry.

Galen Pfeiffer, Chairman of the Olive Growers Council of California: As a California table olive grower for more than 30 years, I rely on our congressional delegation to represent and support our industry in Washington, D.C. I urge California's representatives, including Congressman Gray, to advance the next Farm Bill without delay. A strong and improved Farm Bill is critical to the continued success of California's Black and Green Ripe olive industry and the farming families who sustain it.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., International Dairy Food Association President and CEO: "The House Farm Bill would expand SNAP dairy incentives to include additional nutritious dairy products and provide certainty to core federal dairy programs, ensuring low-income families have greater access to affordable, wholesome dairy foods while giving farmers and processors the certainty they need to continue delivering for America. IDFA is grateful to Representative Gray for working to pass this Farm Bill."

Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President, Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Produce Association: "The International Fresh Produce Association thanks Congressman Gray for voting to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 and for supporting provisions that address the unique needs of specialty crop producers. The bill delivers certainty and fairness for growers while taking steps to strengthen America's nutrition security. We especially appreciate Rep. Gray's successful amendment to allow states' food bank networks to reserve up to 20% of their USDA Foods allotment on fresh produce. This common-sense but groundbreaking policy will significantly expand the ability of growers to provide their full bounty of U.S. grown fresh produce to nourish those in need."

Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council: "U.S. dairy farmers and exporters rely on commonsense policies that preserve and expand their global market presence. We thank Congressman Gray for his leadership in supporting a bipartisan Farm Bill this week that invests in critical agricultural export promotions, preserves our right to use common cheese names in global markets, and continues funding for lifesaving international food aid programs that incorporate dairy."

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 passed out of the House Committee on Agriculture with bipartisan support, 34-17, and will now proceed to full consideration by the U.S. House of Representatives.

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