This bill is an omnibus, multiyear law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs in the United States. It’s typically renewed every five or six years.
In May 2026, US 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
Promotes domestic cotton consumption, including USDA and HHS promotion of the “Plant Not Plastic” initiative—which encourages consumers to choose products made with American cotton.
Increases domestic demand and production through the bipartisan Buying American Cotton Act.
Improves cotton trade with countries including Indonesia and Bangladesh.
Protects 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-ME) wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins urging the Department to build on the “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 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—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—until Congress acts.
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