What happened to the Farm Bill? Congress adjourned and are taking a recess, and we’ll be back in mid-September, but Farm Bill 2.0 was not finished.
The proposed legislation, commonly known as Farm Bill 2.0, builds upon the historic ag investments that were included in the One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year. They’re going to further strengthen key farm bill provisions, they say, with this 2.0. This includes some for the peanut industry. The bill ensures the continued operation of the market assistance loan, and by clarifying the program authority, also maintains the availability during our future lapses in federal government funding.
If the government closes, the funding will continue. Also, strengthening the farm safety net and providing greater certainty for peanut producers. The legislation also reinforces support for ag export markets, which is a top priority for the U.S. peanut industry, and includes provisions for our nutrition and emergency food assistance program.
So, 2.0 is still on the table in the Senate, and we’ll have to wait until mid-September when they come back to approve it in the Senate, then back to the House, and then to the President’s desk. But it’s a long way until 2.0 is approved.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.