The Senate Agriculture Committee did not advance Farm Bill 2.0 on Thursday, August 6, after the committee markup concluded without enough support to move the legislation forward. The vote failed 10-11 after members split over proposed changes to SNAP funding. This leaves the proposal stalled in committee despite weeks of negotiations and a recently released draft that proposed updates to commodity programs, crop insurance, conservation, credit and rural development.

Agriculture Groups React

  • National Corn Growers Association (NCGA): Called the outcome frustrating for farmers and urged Congress to return to bipartisan negotiations, emphasizing that producers need the certainty of a modern, five-year farm bill.
  • American Soybean Association (ASA): Expressed disappointment that the legislation did not advance, noting that farmers continue to face economic pressures while operating under an extension of the 2018 Farm Bill.
  • International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA): Encouraged lawmakers to continue working toward a bipartisan bill that addresses the needs of specialty crop producers and the broader fresh produce supply chain.
  • National Pork Producers Council (NPPC): Expressed disappointment that the committee did not advance the bill and reiterated its push for a federal solution to California’s Proposition 12.

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman said he was “deeply disappointed” the committee was unable to advance the bill, adding that he remains committed to working toward a farm bill that strengthens the agricultural safety net and serves farmers nationwide. Read his full statement here.

While committee action has been tabled, the farm bill process is not over. Lawmakers are expected to continue negotiations on outstanding issues as agriculture organizations renew calls for Congress to complete a long-term farm bill reauthorization.

Read more commentary on the failed farm bill progress from DTN.