Jun 15, 2026 by Robert Herrington, INFB Marketing
After years of delays and uncertainty, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 – also known as the farm bill – by a bipartisan vote of 224-200 last month. The victory in Washington, D.C., is a major step forward for Hoosier farmers and the agricultural community.
Following improvements to farm bill risk management, trade and conservation programs made in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025, farmers and rural Americans have urged Congress to update other key programs as part of a modernized farm bill. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 does just that by updating important farm programs that will protect America’s food supply.
“Indiana Farm Bureau thanks the seven members of the Indiana House delegation who voted in favor of the legislation – Reps. Rudy Yakym, Marlin Stutzman, Jim Baird, Victoria Spartz, Jefferson Shreve, Mark Messmer and Erin Houchin,” said Brantley Seifers, INFB’s director of national government affairs.
This year’s version builds on farm safety net updates, expands support for agricultural export promotion programs, and increases access and investment to essential research and extension programs. The farm bill also includes a fix to California’s Proposition 12, preventing states from affecting farmers’ ability to grow food for the nation.
“The farm bill is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for American agriculture, and Hoosier farmers have felt the weight of its absence. Tight margins and a challenging economic environment have made certainty in federal farm programs more critical than ever,” said Seifers. “Indiana Farm Bureau has been actively engaged in pushing for passage of this legislation, and we are encouraged by the recent bipartisan vote. We firmly believe this bill will provide Hoosier farmers with the stability they need to continue growing the food, fuel and fiber that families across Indiana and the country depend on.”
Due to intense pressure from oil-state lawmakers and budget concerns, language about expanding year-round E15 sales was removed from the farm bill. Instead, a compromise was reached to hold a separate vote on the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act. That vote was scheduled to take place after this publication was sent to the press.
“There's still a lot of big wins in the farm bill,” said Seifers. “For Hoosier farmers, it's certainty. It's certainty they haven't had for several years now.”
The farm bill is typically updated every five years, but 2018 was the last comprehensive legislation due to government shutdowns and international conflicts. Extensions of the 2018 version were enacted in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
“While this House vote was an important milestone, the work is not done.” Seifers said. “INFB now urges the U.S. Senate to continue the momentum and pass this legislation without delay. Hoosier farmers cannot afford to wait any longer.”
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