Once again farmers await the passage of a new farm bill, after multiple extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
More than 260 agriculture organizations, representing constituencies in all fifty states and Puerto Rico, signed a letter in September 2025 urging Congress to further support America’s farmers and ranchers through the passage of a “Farm Bill 2.0.”
Congress has extended the 2018 Farm Bill three times, because lawmakers haven’t been able to agree on food assistance and how much money to spend. A partial farm bill was passed last July as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the 2018 Farm Bill programs were extended through Sep. 30, as part of federal funding legislation, keeping major programs in place.
Congressman GT Thompson (R-PA), the chair of the House Agriculture Committee, has tentatively set a farm bill markup for the week of Feb. 23, saying the bill will be about 80% policy and 20% spending, focused on strengthening risk management, improving market access and modernizing ag programs. Farm Bill 2.0 aims to update commodity programs to address high input costs and inflation, offering a stronger financial safety net for producers. Proposals focus on strengthening crop insurance, updating conservation programs, expanding rural development, and supporting local food systems.
Relating to the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA), the USDA is implementing a $12 billion program in 2026, including $11 billion in onetime payments for eligible producers, with funds expected in late February.
While the formal text of his farm bill has yet to be introduced, it will likely have the same priorities as the version that advanced out of committee in 2024 but never became law.
Reports are that committee staff is still waiting for the cost estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, which could delay the markup in February, though it was reported that House Ag Republicans want to get a floor vote on the farm bill before the Easter recess.
A key concern of producers in Farm Bill 2.0 is that it addresses multiple industry priorities like rural development, research plans, and the debate around E15.
In thecontext of the farm bill and related agricultural legislation, E15 refers to a fuel blend consisting of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It is a major policy topic in recent agricultural debates, with farm-state lawmakers pushing to authorize yearround, nationwide sales of E15, which is currently restricted during summer months (June 1–Sept 15) due to air quality regulations regarding vapor pressure. The EPA has approved its use in vehicles manufactured in 2001 or later.
The push for E15 has faced opposition from independent oil refiners concerned about the impact on their operations and the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), leading to delays in its adoption. While often discussed alongside the farm bill, E15 legislation is sometimes pursued separately or attached to government funding packages.
The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Actand similar amendments to 2025/2026 funding bills have aimed to codify year-round E15, bypassing the need for temporary EPA summer waivers. Congress opted to establish the Rural Domestic Energy Council to study renewable fuels and develop legislative recommendations for future consideration.