Three Extensions. One More Deadline.

The farm bill is enormous. But if you grow fruits, vegetables, nuts or other specialty crops in California, there are a few pieces of the latest Senate proposal worth paying attention to.

And Congress is running out of time.

The 2018 Farm Bill has now been extended three times, and the current extension expires September 30.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is taking a closer look at the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate Agriculture Committee’s latest attempt at a new five-year farm bill.

In its breakdown, the organization points to several provisions specifically affecting specialty crops. The proposal would create a sales-based framework for assistance during major market disruptions or economic crises. It would also make changes to Specialty Crop Block Grants, invest in mechanization and automation research, and give specialty crops greater representation in federal crop insurance.

Other provisions address export markets, agricultural research, and emerging pests and diseases.

But none of it is final. The bill failed to advance out of the Senate Agriculture Committee in August amid disagreement over SNAP.

Now, with the current extension expiring September 30, the clock is ticking on what Congress does next.

For more of the American Farm Bureau Federation’s breakdown, visit https://www.fb.org/intel/policy/time-to-finish-the-job-2026-farm-bill