The U.S. House of Representatives advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill). The legislation would expand dairy nutrition incentives in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthen key dairy programs.

“Today’s House passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is a significant achievement that builds momentum towards enacting a new, much-needed 5-year Farm Bill. IDFA is grateful to House Agriculture Committee Chairman for his leadership in advancing a Farm Bill that strengthens key dairy programs and expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. Building on the success of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program, Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects will encourage SNAP participants to purchase more nutrient-dense dairy foods and help ensure federal nutrition programs support healthier food choices for families across the country. At a time when policymakers across the country are focused on improving Americans’ health through nutrition programs, expanding access to wholesome dairy foods through SNAP is an important step forward. IDFA is grateful for the determined leadership demonstrated by Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15) throughout this process to develop a bipartisan Farm Bill and advance it through the legislative process," said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.

“In addition to expanding dairy nutrition incentives, the bill includes several other priorities for the U.S. dairy industry, including permanent authorization of Mandatory Cost Surveys to ensure Federal Milk Marketing Order make allowances reflect current manufacturing costs, improvements to the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program to codify not less than four locations, and permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program. IDFA encourages the Senate to promptly take up its version of the Farm Bill and include these critical provisions so Congress can deliver a final bill to the President’s desk this year. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the Administration to get this bill across the finish line," Dykes added.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture CEO Ted McKinney issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026.

“NASDA applauds the House of Representatives and congratulates Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and members of the House Agriculture Committee for passing the bipartisan farm bill,” McKinney said. “This legislation supports farmers, ranchers and consumers and provides economic growth for rural communities. NASDA stands ready to continue collaboration to advance this critical legislation.”

The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) also applauded passage of a long-awaited new five-year Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 224-200. WCMA released this statement from Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy:

 “The House passage of a new five-year Farm Bill marks an important step forward for U.S. agriculture and for the dairy processing community. After a week of uncertainty and late-night negotiations, we are encouraged to see bipartisan action delivering meaningful support for dairy through expanded nutrition programs, strengthened trade promotion, and risk management tools for producers and processors alike. 

“We also extend our sincere thanks to WCMA members for their strong and consistent advocacy through this lawmaking process. Your engagement – sharing perspectives, contacting lawmakers, and elevating dairy priorities – has been instrumental to ensuring our industry’s voice was heard at critical moments. 

“Advancing comprehensive agricultural policy is challenging in today’s political environment, but we look forward to working with U.S. Senate and House leaders to champion a final Farm Bill package that supports innovation, expands markets, and secures a strong future for the U.S. dairy industry.”