Young Farmers Raise Concerns Over Senate Farm Bill

The Senate Agriculture Committee recently advanced its version of the 2026 Farm Bill, but the National Young Farmers Coalition said the legislation still falls short on issues affecting the next generation of farmers.

The Agricultural Act of 2026 advanced from committee September 16 on a 12-11 party-line vote after the panel resumed business that had stalled in August.  Young Farmers Executive Director Michelle Hughes said the coalition recognizes bipartisan provisions supporting small farms, farmer education, and local food programs, along with improvements to FSA financing.

However, the group says the bill does not include the New Producer Economic Security Act, which would provide flexible financial support to new and beginning farmers during the early years of establishing a farm business.  Young Farmers also says the legislation does not address what it describes as significant barriers to affordable farmland access or restore nutrition funding.

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