After multiple extensions of the 2018 farm bill, significant movement on a new legislative package was achieved on April 30, when the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 7567; the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.
The legislation has been viewed positively by fruit and vegetable grower interests. Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said of the House action in Mutual’s Triangle newsletter: “While we await a farm bill markup in the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry and a vote on the U.S. Senate floor, it’s encouraging to see the progress being made to secure long-term support for Florida citrus growers through investments in research, risk management tools and other support programs. Florida Citrus Mutual will continue engaging with lawmakers to advocate for a farm bill that recognizes the needs of Sunshine State citrus growers now and in the year ahead.
“There is good reason to be encouraged by the progress we’re making. As one of the state’s leading commodities and a strong contributor to cash receipts, there’s no doubt that this industry has a future, and we’ve got the tools and resources in place to drive its continued recovery and success.” Senate Agriculture Committee leadership has said it expects to release its farm bill text in the coming weeks. Partisan disagreements over feeding programs are among issues in the Senate that must find some form of compromise.
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