The chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), released a first draft of a new Farm Bill on Friday (Feb. 13).

The measure, which seeks to update the 2018 Farm Bill, drew criticism from Democrats on the committee who expressed concerns over several points.

“A new farm bill is long overdue, and the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is an important step forward in providing certainty to our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities,” said Thompson.

“This bill provides modern policies for modern challenges and is shaped by years of listening to the needs of farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans,” added Thompson. “The farm bill affects our entire country, regardless of whether you live on a farm, and I look forward to seeing my colleagues in Congress work together to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.), ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee, signaled opposition to the farm bill, accusing Republicans of ignoring Democrats.

“Our review of the legislative text is ongoing. Based on what I know, the Republican farm bill fails to meet the moment facing farmers and working people,” said Craig.

“Farmers need Congress to act swiftly to end inflationary tariffs, stabilize trade relationships, expand domestic market opportunities like year-round E15 and help lower input costs,” she added. “I strongly urge my Republican colleagues to drop the political charade and work with House Democrats on a truly bipartisan bill to address the very real problems farm country is experiencing right now – before it’s too late.” 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed last year, already includes increased funding for Title I commodity subsidies and crop insurance and other programs. The new House release includes provisions in the following categories: commodities, crop insurance, regulatory reform, energy, forestry, research, rural development, credit, nutrition, trade, and conservation.

• In the credit title section, the bill would increase loan limits for guaranteed operating loans to $3 million and guaranteed ownership loans to $3.5 million.
• Direct ownership loans would be increased to $850,000, while direct operating loans would be increased to $750,000.
• The bill also includes provisions meant to speed up approval times, especially for certified and preferred guaranteed lenders.
• The bill would expand low-cost financing options for producers such as adding propane for drying and handling equipment to be included in storage facility loans.
• The bill increases requirements for reporting farmland ownership by foreigners.
• It increases funding for farm export promotion programs.
• The bill also would create standing authority to provide ad-hoc disaster aid through block grants to states.

Rep. Thompson said he expects mark ups on the Farm Bill to begin Feb. 23.