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 Pesticides/Herbicides: EPA Announces Dicamba Approval for 2026, 2027 Growing Seasons 🌾
On February 6, 2026, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced (PDF) that the agency has temporarily approved dicamba for over-the-top use on cotton and soybeans for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons despite “ecological risks associated with dicamba drift and volatility.” In approving dicamba, EPA cited concerns regarding weeds resistant to other herbicides, such as Palmer amaranth which, EPA stated, “can grow 3 inches per day and destroy entire fields.” To mitigate dicamba’s potential harms, EPA “designed these new label restrictions to directly address them, including cutting the amount of dicamba that can be used annually in half, doubling required safety agents, requiring conservation practices to protect endangered species, and restricting applications during high temperatures when exposure and volatility risks increase.” Additionally, EPA states that “these restrictions . . . are enforceable legal requirements . . . not optional suggestions,” and that “applicators who fail to follow label directions are subject to significant penalties under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), including civil fines and, in cases of knowing violations, criminal prosecution.” EPA states that it “will work with state enforcement to actively monitor compliance, and violations will be met with serious consequences.” EPA further states that “this two-season limited approval provides a critical checkpoint” and that the agency “will comprehensively review performance data, incident reports, and environmental monitoring results before considering any future approvals.” See also ALWR—July 29, 2025, “EPA Proposes Approval for Three Dicamba Products, Seeks Comment.”

National Agricultural Policy: USDA Announces ‘Farm Security Action Plan’ MOU with Department of War, ‘Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework’
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the agency had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of War (DoW) to implement the National Farm Security Action Plan, previously announced by USDA in July 2025. According to the announcement, the first MOU action created a partnership between the DoW Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and USDA Office of the Chief Scientist which will “share information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture, partner to develop novel technological solutions to challenges facing American agriculture, and exchange personnel to accelerate innovation and protect the agricultural supply chain.” Additionally, on February 11, USDA also announced its “Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework,” the agency’s initiative to protect agricultural producers from “politically motivated lawfare,” which USDA defines as “the use of administrative, legal, and legislative government systems to adversely impact farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers.” In issuing the framework, USDA cited its role in the omission of Cranbury, New Jersey farmland from eminent domain seizure for residential development and its efforts to prevent the Tennessee Valley Authority from seizing Cheatham County farmland for the construction of a natural gas power plant. See also ALWR—July 15, 2025, “USDA Announces National Farm Security Action Plan, Opens Reporting Portal.”

Food Safety: FDA Publishes Notice Seeking Comment on BHA Uses, Safety
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a notice (91 FR 6227) requesting information on “the current uses and safety data of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) in human food and as a food contact substance.” Also announced by FDA, the agency states that BHA “is used to prevent spoilage of fats and oils and can be found in various food products including frozen meals, breakfast cereals, cookies, candy, ice cream, and meat products.” According to the announcement, “FDA listed BHA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in 1958 and approved it as a food additive in 1961.” The notice “encourage[s] food manufacturers to participate in th[e] data call, with options for aggregated submissions through trade groups or other collaborations.” FDA states, “We do not need information about individual products and their recipes, but rather data about the levels of use in general product categories.” The request is available for public comment until April 13, 2026 (FDA-2026-N-0302).

Food Policy: FDA Publishes Enforcement Discretion Letter for ‘No Artificial Color’ Labeling Claims
On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a letter (PDF)https://aglaw.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/5-FDA-Letter-No-Artificial-Colors-2.5.26.pdf to food manufacturers stating that the agency “does not intend to take enforcement action” under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act “against a firm that makes” voluntary “no artificial color” labeling claims. FDA states that it “recognizes that the current definition of ‘artificial color,’3 which does not distinguish between colors . . . derived from natural sources and other color, may create challenges to transitioning away from FD&C Act certified colors.” According to the letter, “[t]he scope of [FDA’s] enforcement discretion does not extend to foods that contain FD&C certified colors,” and “[f]irms may continue to make additional labeling claims, so long as they comply with any other applicable requirements and are not false or misleading.” See also ALWR—Apr. 29, 2025, “FDA Announces Measures to Eliminate Food Dyes, IDFA Announces Pledge to Remove Dyes from School Lunch Dairy Products.”

Nutrition Programs: USDA Publishes Dietary Guidance Memo for Nutrition Program Directors
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published a guidance document for regional and state child nutrition program directors regarding the recently published Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. The guidance “strongly encourages child nutrition program operators to familiarize themselves with the key recommendations and consider how th[e] Guidelines can be incorporated into program meals and snacks” but notes that “the new Guidelines does not immediately impact program requirements.” According to the guidance, “FNS is actively developing a proposed rule to update child nutrition program nutrition standards and meal requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations to align with the goals of the updated Guidelines” and “looks forward to receiving stakeholder feedback on proposed changes to program requirements through the rulemaking and public comment process.” See also ALWR—Jan. 13, 2026, “USDA, HHS Publish Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030.”

National Agricultural Policy: USDA to Administer, Provide $432 Million Under Food for Peace Program
On February 3, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) announced that USDA had entered into an agreement with the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide $432 million for nutrition needs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and Rwanda. According to a January 2026 press release from a U.S. Representative, USDA entered into an interagency agreement with the U.S. Department of State to temporarily allow USDA to administer the Food for Peace program, although permanent USDA administration of the program would require Congressional action. Additionally, the USDA-WFP agreement notes that USDA “is authorized to carry out emergency assistance under Title II of the Food for Peace Act” through an interagency agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Under the USDA-WFP agreement, all commodities must be 100% of U.S. origin and are to be delivered before the end of 2026.

 

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Understanding Agricultural Law Series. A free monthly webinar series for agricultural and rural business advisors. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Fridays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:

Feb. 27, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the USDA National Appeals Division

Mar. 27, 2026, Understanding the Basics of Right to Farm Laws

Apr. 24, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the Renewable Fuel Standard

May 22, 2026, Understanding the Basics of the PA Preferred Program

Jun 26, 2026, Understanding the Basics of Agricultural Vehicle Regulation

July 24, 2026, Understanding the Basics of International Agricultural Trade & Tariffs

Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar Series. A free quarterly webinar series covering dairy industry legal and regulatory developments with an in-depth focus topic. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. All events on Tuesdays, noon–1 pm (ET). Upcoming:

Apr. 14, 2026, 1st Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar

Jul 14, 2026, 2nd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar

Oct. 13, 2026, 3rd Quarter 2026 Quarterly Dairy Legal Webinar

AgWorks: Connecting Agricultural Businesses to Workforce Services and Training. From 2025 to 2027, the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law and Penn State Extension will collaborate with farms and agriculture-related businesses to strengthen the workforce system. AgWorks will provide 100 registered small- to medium-sized Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses with no-cost training and consultation to ensure business sustainability. As part of the AgWorks program, the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law will provide legal consulting and present 20+ employment law programs. Upcoming AgWorks webinars:

Feb. 24, 2026, AgWorks: Wage and Hour Laws—Calculation and Enforcement

Subscribe to the Pennsylvania Farm Employers’ Listserv (PFEL): an email networking and resource-sharing group exclusively about human resources information for agricultural operations.

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Legal Services Plan: “A new member-benefit program involving law firms that specialize in legal areas commonly utilized by farmers.”

Resources of Interest:

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., UADA article: Vaden on Prop 12: ‘Should be struck down’, Ramie Parsons (Feb. 13, 2026)

Southern Ag Today, Challenges for the Cooperative Farm Store in 2026, John Park (Tex. A&M) (Feb. 13, 2026)

Southern Ag Today, How 2025 IEEPA Tariffs Affected Agricultural Inputs and Production Costs, Jiyeon Kim (North Dak. State Univ.) (Feb. 12, 2026)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Using Business Entities to Transfer Ownership, Robert Moore (Feb. 12, 2026)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, New Publication: Using Generation Skipping Trusts to Transfer Farm Assets, Ellen Essman (Feb. 10, 2026)

Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, Deferring Tax Payments from the Sale of Farmland, Kristine A. Tidgren (Feb. 10, 2026)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., DOJ & EPA Clarify Stance on Diesel Vehicles Under the CAA, Brigit Rollins (Feb. 10, 2026)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, U.S. Farm Bankruptcies Increased 46% in 2025, Ryan Hanrahan (Feb. 10, 2026)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Pesticide “Shield” Law, Roger McEowen (Feb. 9, 2026)

Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, Farmers Should Note Fuel Tax Credit Reporting Updates, Kristine A. Tidgren (Feb. 9, 2026)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Proposed I.R.C. §45Z Regulations, Roger McEowen (Feb. 8, 2026)

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES

Pennsylvania Invests Nearly $7.1 Million to Ensure That 25 Farms, 1,905 Acres of Prime Farmland in 17 Counties Stay Farms Forever (Feb. 12, 2026)

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 7—Feb. 14, 2026):                      

Department of Agriculture

56 Pa.B. 889 Notice: “Pennsylvania Food Bucks Program Grant Application”

Department of Environmental Protection

56 Pa.B. 967 Notice: “Coal Mining Reclamation Fee Amount for 2026”

56 Pa.B. 967 Notice: “Planning Grant Award under Section 901 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Act 101 of 1988”

56 Pa.B. 968 Notice: “Storage Tank Advisory Committee Meeting Cancellation”

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE

HB 1923 “An Act providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers’ rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.” Referred to Labor & Industry [Senate] (Feb. 13, 2026)

HB 2207 “An Act amending Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in small business first, further providing for capital development loans.” Referred to Commerce [House] (Feb. 9, 2026)

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Administrator Zeldin Eliminates Off-Cycle Credit for Almost Universally Hated Start-Stop Feature in Vehicles (Feb. 12, 2026)

President Trump and Administrator Zeldin Deliver Single Largest Deregulatory Action in U.S. History (Feb. 12, 2026)

EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Highlights Funding to Accelerate Chesapeake Bay Restoration (Feb. 11, 2026)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES

USDA Announces Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Impacted by Unfair Market Disruptions (Feb. 13, 2026)

USDA Issues Final Emergency Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses (Feb. 13, 2026)

USDA and DoW Advance Key Parts of the National Farm Security Action Plan (Feb. 11, 2026)

USDA Announces Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework to End Agricultural Lawfare (Feb. 11, 2026)

USDA Announces Completion of Sterile Fly Dispersal Facility in Texas (Feb. 9, 2026)

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Announces Appointments to the National Pork Producers Delegate Body (Feb. 13, 2026)

USDA Files Action Against Solstice Growers LLC in Texas for Alleged PACA Violations (Feb. 10, 2026)

Palumbo Foods LLC Satisfies Terms of Consent Decision and Order for Alleged PACA Violations (Feb. 10, 2026)

New York Firm Posts $50,000 Surety Bond to Obtain PACA License (Feb. 10, 2026)

USDA Restricts PACA Violators in Arizona and California from Operating in the Produce Industry (Feb. 10, 2026)

USDA Files Action Against National Produce and Farm Products LLC in Florida for Alleged PACA Violations (Feb. 10, 2026)

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with Kolb’s Dairy Sales LLC and Matthew Kolb (Feb. 10, 2026)

Farm Service Agency

USDA Issues Final Emergency Livestock Relief Program Payments for 2023 and 2024 Drought, Flood and Wildfire Losses (Feb. 13, 2026)

USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026 (Feb. 10, 2026)

USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2026 Reassignment of Domestic Sugar Marketing Allotments (Feb. 10, 2026)

Food Safety and Inspection Service

FSIS Consumer Complaint Monitoring System (CCMS) Complaints Annual Report (Feb. 11, 2026)

Foreign Agricultural Service

Export Sales to Egypt (Feb. 12, 2026)

Announcing the 2026 Awardees for MAP and FMD (Feb. 11, 2026)

Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (Feb. 11, 2026)

Export Sales to China (Feb. 9, 2026)

USDA Accepting Applications for an Agribusiness Trade Mission to Türkiye (Feb. 9, 2026)

National Agricultural Statistics Service

February Crop Production (Feb. 10, 2026)

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

NIFA Announces $1.3M to Support Postdoctoral Fellows (Feb. 11, 2026)

NIFA Invests $10.3 Million to Protect U.S. Agriculture and Food Supply (Feb. 11, 2026)

NIFA Announces $7M Investment in Complex Animal Agriculture Issues (Feb. 11, 2026)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

PA NRCS Announces Funding Available for Easement Programs (Feb. 13, 2026)

Prolific Snow Drought Leads to Below Normal Streamflow Forecasts (Feb. 10, 2026)

Risk Management Agency

USDA Appoints Three New FCIC Board of Directors Members (Feb. 12, 2026)

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: Feb. 9—Feb. 13, 2026):

Agricultural Marketing Service

91 FR 5877 Proposed rule: “Onions Grown in Certain Designated Counties in Idaho and Malheur County, Oregon; Decreased Assessment Rate” (Feb. 10, 2026)

91 FR 5666 2026 sunset review and substance renewals: “National Organic Program: 2026 Sunset Review and Substance Renewals” (Feb. 9, 2026)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

91 FR 6180 Notice of availability: “Soil Culture Solutions, LLC: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for HLB-Resistant Carrizo Citrange Rootstock (CarriCea)” (Feb. 11, 2026)

91 FR 6182 Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection; comment request: “Request for Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Importation of Gypsy Moth Host Materials From Canada” (Feb. 11, 2026)

91 FR 6179 Notice of availability: “Ball Horticultural Company: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Red Flower Petals African Marigold (Tagetes erecta) Event pBALL123-022-BE113.” (Feb. 11, 2026)

91 FR 6181 Notice of availability: “U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service: Availability of a Petition for a Determination of Nonregulated Status and Draft Plant Pest Risk Assessment for Early and Near-Continuous Flowering T1190 Apple (Malus x Domestica)” (Feb. 11, 2026)

Commodity Credit Corporation

91 FR 6183 Notice: “Domestic Sugar Program-FY 2026 Reassignment of Cane Sugar and Beet Sugar Marketing Allotments and Processor Allocations” (Feb. 11, 2026)

91 FR 5884 Notice: “Information Collection Request; Advancing Markets for Producers (Formerly Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities)” (Feb. 10, 2026)

Environmental Protection Agency

91 FR 6781 Final rule: “Hexythiazox; Pesticide Tolerances” (Feb. 13, 2026)

91 FR 6785 Final rule: “Afidopyropen; Pesticide Tolerances” (Feb. 13, 2026)

91 FR 6789 Final rule: “Rice Bran Wax in Pesticide Formulations; Exemption From the Requirement for a Tolerance” (Feb. 13, 2026)

91 FR 6639 Notice request for nominations: “Request for Nominations of Candidates to the National Environmental Education Advisory Council” (Feb. 12, 2026)

91 FR 6217 Notice; extension of comment period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed New Collection and Request for Comment; Process To Become an EPA Qualified Conservation Program (QCP) and Qualified External Party (QEP); Draft Pesticide Registration Notice; Extension of Comment Period” (Feb. 11, 2026)

91 FR 5939 Notice: “Product Cancellation Order for Certain Pesticide Registrations (From July 31, 2025, Notice)” (Feb. 10, 2026)

Food and Drug Administration

91 FR 6855 Notice of availability: “Defining Durations of Use for Approved Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Fed to Food-Producing Animals; Guidance for Industry; Availability” (Feb. 13, 2026)

Food Safety and Inspection Service

91 FR 5883 Notice and request for comments: “Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Sanitation SOPs and Pathogen Reduction/HACCP” (Feb. 10, 2026)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

H.R.7587 “To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to modify the BARD Fund, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7580 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to prohibit the purchase of nutritionally deficient foods with supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7579 “To improve access to Department of Agriculture Rural Development discretionary grant programs by establishing a technical assistance set-aside to support low-capacity rural communities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7578 “To improve the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out forest management activities that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7571 “To amend the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 with respect to the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program and the sustainability of such program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7567 “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 13, 2026)

H.R.7562 “To amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Small Farms, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7547 “To provide for Department of Defense and Department of Agriculture joint research and development activities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7533 “To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize and expand the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy grant program.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7530 “To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide additional assistance to rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7522 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal the particular work requirement that disqualifies able-bodied adults for eligibility to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7521 “To lift the trade embargo on Cuba, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, the Judiciary, Agriculture, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.3937 “Wabeno Economic Development Act” Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.204 “ACRES Act” Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held (Feb. 12, 2026)

H.R.7518 “To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.7514 “To authorize rural health facilities to use certain Federal agricultural credit assistance for the purpose of refinancing debt obligations, updating necessary services, technology, and equipment, and supporting ancillary needs.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.7488 “To create an Office of the Chief Economist at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.6300 “Grasslands Grazing Act of 2025” Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 – 14 (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.5419 “Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act” Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.3922 “Cross-Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act” Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent (Feb. 11, 2026)

H.R.7477 “To amend the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit entities registered under such Act from engaging in transactions involving sporting event or casino-style gaming contracts.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7476 “To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize certain water infrastructure grants, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7475 “Expedited Guaranteed Lender Pilot Program Act” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7474 “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain a training program for Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel and third-party providers on the rapidly evolving methodologies, science, and practices of soil health management systems on agricultural land, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7469 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 authorize the use of benefits under the supplemental nutrition assistance program for online grocery purchases, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7466 “To direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to enter into a memorandum of understanding or other interagency agreement, to carry out, and coordinate on, activities to prevent, control, and eradicate New World screwworm in wildlife and non-livestock species of animals on certain Federal lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7464 “TEMP Act” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7462 “To amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to use certain data sets when determining eligibility related to indemnity payments under the Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index endorsement, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7458 “To codify notice requirements for mineral exploration activities on certain public lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.3553 “BRUSH Fires Act” Subcommittee Hearings Held (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.1834 “Breaking the Gridlock Act” Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 319 (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.34 “LASSO Act” Subcommittee Hearings Held (Feb. 10, 2026)

H.R.7455 “To amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to allow certain States to directly purchase commodities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 9, 2026)

H.R.7426 “USDA Express Loan Act of 2026” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 9, 2026)

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY 

S.3861 “A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize and expand the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy grant program.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 12, 2026)

S.3860 “A bill to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Small Farms, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 12, 2026)

S.3856 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require States to provide recipient-level data to the Secretary of Agriculture upon request.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 12, 2026)

S.3851 “A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 11, 2026)

S.3843 “A bill to amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to direct the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to conduct research and development on frost or cold weather insurance, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 11, 2026)

S.3842 “A bill to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to permit video or telephone certifications under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 11, 2026)

S.3820 “A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and maintain a training program for Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel and third-party providers on the rapidly evolving methodologies, science, and practices of soil health management systems on agricultural land, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 10, 2026)

S.3810 “A bill to amend the Plant Protection Act to establish a fund for spotted wing drosophila research and mitigation.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 9, 2026)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE—UPCOMING HEARINGS

None.

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY—UPCOMING HEARINGS  

None.

 

Contributors:
Audry Thompson—Staff Attorney
Christina Fraser—Research Assistant
Riley Amdor—Research Assistant
Samuel Sweeten—Research Assistant