Senate Advances Agricultural Act of 2026 Amid Farm Economic Uncertainty
The Senate Agriculture Committee has advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026 on a party-line vote, reviving legislation that failed to clear the panel in August. The bill now heads into another critical stage in Congress, where decisions involving E15, agricultural credit, specialty crops, nutrition, biofuels, and rural development could shape farm economics for years.
Corn growers welcomed the progress but stressed that committee approval cannot be considered the finish line. NCGA President Jed Bower said the 2026 corn crop is the most expensive crop growers have ever planted, raised, and are now harvesting. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is particularly focused on permanent nationwide, year-round E15 as a potential way to strengthen domestic corn demand.
The Renewable Fuels Association said committee passage represented an important step toward securing nationwide, year-round E15 sales. RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper emphasized the potential for expanded access to the 15% ethanol blend, connecting the Farm Bill debate directly with fuel markets.