The Farm Bill
Ref No.
(2026 version) H.R.7567
Jurisdiction
USA
Key Policymaker(s)
Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
The farm bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. It’s typically renewed every five or six years.
In May 2026, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the Great American Cotton Plan, a comprehensive USDA initiative to strengthen the cotton farm economy, restore domestic textile manufacturing, expand cotton trade opportunities, and increase demand for products made with American-grown cotton.
Key Aspects
Promoting Domestic Cotton Consumption including USDA and HHS promotion of the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative—which encourages consumers to choose products made with American cotton
Increasing Domestic Demand and Production through the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act
Improving Cotton Trade with countries including Indonesia and Bangladesh
Protecting Cotton Growers from Adverse Risk including research to combat the spread of the cotton jassid pest and expanded access to Supplemental Coverage Option insurance tools
In June, 2026, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to strengthen federal support for American-grown and American-made natural fibers. In a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Pingree urged the Department to build on its recently announced “Great American Cotton Plan” by expanding its focus to include other plant- and animal-based fibers, including hemp, flax, wool, alpaca, and leather. Pingree also requested information on existing USDA programs, authorities, and data collection efforts that could support domestic natural fiber production and processing.
Latest Update
The United States’ Farm Bill expired for the latest time on September 30, 2026, after Congress failed to agree on a new long-term agriculture policy law despite years of negotiation and three previous short-term extensions of the 2018 legislation. The US Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has paused approval of new Conservation Reserve Program contracts until Congress acts—which provides financial compensation for landowners to voluntarily remove land from agricultural production for multiple years, for the benefit of soil and water quality and wildlife habitats.
The House of Representatives passed its version of a new Farm Bill earlier in 2026, and the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced its own version in September, but the two chambers have not reconciled their bills into a final law.
Additional Information
