IDFA Lauds U.S. House of Representatives Passage of 2026 Farm Bill

IDFA Lauds U.S. House of Representatives Passage of 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, April 30, 2026-The U.S. House of Representatives today advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill), legislation that would expand dairy nutrition incentives in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthen key dairy programs. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement:

"Today's House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is a significant achievement that builds momentum towards enacting a new, much-needed 5-year Farm Bill. IDFA is grateful to House Agriculture Committee Chairman for his leadership in advancing a Farm Bill that strengthens key dairy programs and expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. Building on the success of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program, Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects will encourage SNAP participants to purchase more nutrient-dense dairy foods and help ensure federal nutrition programs support healthier food choices for families across the country. At a time when policymakers across the country are focused on improving Americans' health through nutrition programs, expanding access to wholesome dairy foods through SNAP is an important step forward. IDFA is grateful for the determined leadership demonstrated by Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15) throughout this process to develop a bipartisan Farm Bill and advance it through the legislative process.

"In addition to expanding dairy nutrition incentives, the bill includes several other priorities for the U.S. dairy industry, including permanent authorization of Mandatory Cost Surveys to ensure Federal Milk Marketing Order make allowances reflect current manufacturing costs, improvements to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program to codify not less than four locations, and permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program. IDFA encourages the Senate to promptly take up its version of the Farm Bill and include these critical provisions so Congress can deliver a final bill to the President's desk this year. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the Administration to get this bill across the finish line."

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.