Moolenaar Applauds Passage of 2026 Farm Bill

Today, Congressman John Moolenaar voted in favor of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (commonly referred to as the Farm Bill). The legislation reauthorizes and improves vital programs within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that Michigan farmers and ranchers rely on. The Farm Bill also makes key investments in rural communities to expand broadband access and create jobs.

"The Farm Bill is crucial for the 17,000 farmers in my district and producers across the nation. It is a win for Michigan, giving farmers certainty and allowing them to prepare for the future by reauthorizing and modernizing key programs that help farmers during challenging times. Affordability starts on our farms, and this legislation ensures family farms are able to thrive; keeping grocery shelves stocked and prices down," said Moolenaar. "The Farm Bill will also help residents in our rural communities by providing federal funding and grants for vital infrastructure projects and expanding broadband access."

Congress has not passed a Farm Bill since 2018, leaving farmers and rural communities to rely on short-term extensions of outdated policies to prepare for the future. The 2026 Farm Bill reauthorizes programs with needed updates through 2031.

Key policy wins for Michigan in the Farm Bill include:

Rural Development: Enhances the USDA's rural development programs to improve broadband connectivity and water infrastructure in rural communities, and encourages private investment in rural areas to create jobs.

Specialty Crops: Invests $1.1 billion in specialty crop research, grants, and crop insurance to support specialty crop producers.

Farmland Protection: Includes provisions to prevent foreign adversaries, such as the Chinese Communist Party, from purchasing American farmland.

A full section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.

The 2026 Farm Bill passed the House of Representatives in a bipartisan vote of 224 to 200.