Senate Releases Farm Bill2.0 Draft

The Senate Agriculture Committee has released a farm bill draft outlining updates to farm programs, conservation credit, and rural development ahead of a markup later this summer. The proposal builds on last year's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which raised commodity reference prices and made major nutrition policy changes that now make up about 85% of total farm bill spending. Committee staff say the new draft is budget neutral and includes more than 100 bipartisan bills. Ranking member Senate John Boozman of Arkansas says the discussion draft reflects priorities from both parties and rural communities.

“It modernizes USDA loan limits, so producers can access the capital that they need. The world is totally different now than it was in 2018 certainly than it was in 2012 It continues investing in rural broadband and water infrastructure. It strengthens rural communities and supports the next generations of farmers and ranchers. It's built for America, built for rural America.”

In addition, the draft contains language for new certification pathways, allowing ag retailers and crop consultants to provide conservation technical assistance. Cotton growers would be allowed to use both STAX insurance coverage and enroll in the ARC program, and the bill clarifies that whole milk is permitted in school breakfast programs. Committee markup is expected later this summer as lawmakers work towards a bipartisan path to 60 votes.