Webinar Programs This Month:

Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Applications open until June 30, 2026.

International Trade: Supreme Court Vacates International Emergency Economic Powers Act Tariffs 🌾
On February 20, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion holding that the tariffs established in  Executive Orders Nos. 14193 (Feb. 1, 2025), 14194 (Feb. 1, 2025), 14195 (Feb. 1, 2025), 14257 (Apr. 2, 2025), and 14266 (Apr. 9, 2025) are not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, No. 24-1287.

For more, see Will Scobey, Supreme Court Vacates IEEPA Tariffs,  Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr. (March 5, 2026). See also ALWR—Oct. 14, 2025, “President Issues Proclamation Imposing 10% Tariff on Lumber Imports” and ALWR—Sep. 4, 2025, “Federal Circuit Finds Tariffs Not Authorized Under International Emergency Economic Powers Act.” 

Agricultural Labor: DOL Publishes Two ‘Core Factor’ Independent Contractor Rule
On February 27, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule (91 FR 9932) that would rescind the current six-factor “economic reality” independent contractor rule issued in 2024 (89 FR 1638) and replace it with a two “core factor” test based on its previous January 2021 rule (86 FR 1168). Also announced by DOL, the proposed rule would “identify and explain two ‘core factors’ to help determine if a worker is economically dependent on an employer for work or in business for him- or herself: (1) the nature and degree of control over the work and (2) the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss based on initiative and/or investment”—differing from the six-factor 2024 rule, which specifies that “no factor or factors ha[ve] predetermined weight” or are “dispositive to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the [Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)].” In addition to the FLSA, the proposed rule’s analysis would also establish independent contractor status under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). The proposed rule is available for public comment until April 28, 2026 (WHD-2026-0001). For more, see Jeffrey K. Lewis, Same Name, New Game: A Proposed Revision of the Independent Contractor Rule, Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog (Feb. 26, 2026).

Agricultural Labor: DOL, DHS Will Issued Up To 64,700 H-2B Visas for FY 2026
On February 3, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) published in the Federal Register a temporary rule (91 FR 5040) “to issue up to, but not more than, an additional 64,716 visas for the fiscal year” for the H-2B Nonagricultural Worker Program. Previously, the agencies had announced that they would only make available an additional 35,000 H-2B visas. The temporary rule stated that “[a]ll of these supplemental visas will be available only to those American businesses that are suffering or will suffer impending irreparable harm, i.e., those facing permanent and severe financial loss, as attested by the employer.” This temporary rule is effective from January 30, 2026, through September 30, 2026, and is open for public comment until April 6, 2026 (ETA-2026-0034). See also ALWR—Jan. 13, 2026, “DOL, DHS Will Issue 35,000 Additional H-2B Visas for FY 2026, Down 50% from 2025.”

Food Safety: FDA Publishes Notice Exempting Grade ‘A’ Cottage Cheese from Food Traceability Rule
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a notice (91 FR 8256) exempting qualifying cottage cheese products from the Food Traceability Rule. Also announced by FDA, the notice exempts Interstate Milk Shippers (IMS) list Grade “A” cottage cheese from the rule’s requirements, although it notes that Grade “A” cottage cheese must still meet Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) to qualify for the IMS list. FDA stated that the PMO requirements address the risk factors for cottage cheese previously addressed by the Food Traceability Rule. The notice further addressed public comments regarding the rule, noting that exemptions are only made when it is determined that the exemption will not risk public health, and noted that if changes were made to the PMO that could create a public health risk the FDA would revisit the IMS list Grade “A” cottage cheese exemption.

Food Safety: FDA Publishes Food Traceability Rule Draft Guidance with Farm, Farmers’ Market Examples
On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a notice (91 FR 8243) announcing the availability of draft guidance for industry (PDF) titled “Questions and Answers About Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods.” Also announced by FDA, the document contains guidance and examples for farms regarding the $25,000 threshold for exemption from the Food Traceability Rule, including when a farm is selling produce on and off the Food Traceability List and both produce and non-produce items. Additionally, the document states that when a farm is producing food for a farm-to-school program subject to the National School Lunch Act or Child Nutrition Act, “the participating farm would be exempt from the rule with respect to the food that is produced on the farm and sold or donated to the school or institution.” The draft guidance also provides certain exemptions when a “farmers’ market stall is operated by the farm that produced the food.” The draft guidance is available for public comment until May 21, 2026 (FDA-2025-D-2837). 

Food Labeling: Federal Court Finds Buffalo Wild Wings’ ‘Boneless Wings’ Not Deceptive
On February 17, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued an order dismissing a complaint alleging that Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW) “fools its customers on purpose [by] calling its products boneless wings because breast meat is cheaper than wing meat,” in violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act. Halim v. Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., No. 1:23-cv-01495. The plaintiff claimed “that he thought boneless wings were real chicken wings with the bones removed” and that “[h]ad he known what he was really eating . . . he would have paid less for the product or refused to buy it at all.” He then argued that “reasonable consumers would think boneless wings are made from wing meat” because “the restaurant is called ‘Buffalo Wild Wings’” and because “boneless wings are presented as an alternative to traditional wings.” However, the court found that “his complaint has no meat on its bones.” The court  reasoned that the plaintiff’s “arguments apply equally to cauliflower wings,” which are also “sold at BWW, under the ‘wing’ section of the menu, and are presented as an alternative to chicken wings” and held that “[e]ven if . . . the term ‘boneless wings’ is literally false, it is not deceptive” because [a] reasonable consumer would not think that BWW’s boneless wings were truly deboned chicken wings, reconstituted into some sort of Franken-wing.” The court then granted BWW’s motion to dismiss, although allowed the plaintiff leave until March 20, 2026 to amend his complaint, stating, “[I]t is difficult to imagine that [the plaintiff] can provide additional facts about his experience that would demonstrate that BWW is committing a deceptive act by calling its nuggets ‘boneless wings’ but the Court will give him leave to try.”

Food Labeling: Federal Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Against Texas ‘Healthy Living’ Labeling Law
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas issued an order granting a preliminary injunction against enforcement of Texas SB 25, which requires foods containing any of 44 listed ingredients to bear a warning label stating that the food “is not recommended for human consumption by the appropriate authority in Australia, Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.” American Beverage Assoc. v. Paxton, No. 6:25-cv-00566. The court held that the food trade group plaintiffs had “shown that they are substantially likely to succeed on the merits of their claim that [SB 25] violates the First Amendment by unconstitutionally compelling speech.” Although the court agreed with the state that it has “a substantial interest in supporting the health and well-being of its citizens by promoting better ingredients in foods sold in Texas,” the court found that the law’s labeling directives are “not narrowly tailored to” and do not “directly and materially advance th[at] substantial interest.” The court stated that it “agrees . . . that the State could have spoken itself by conducting an advertising campaign but has not done so . . . . Nor has the State shown that such campaign would be ineffective for advancing the substantial interest of promoting public health.” On March 5, the state of Texas filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. See also ALWR—Jan. 6, 2026, “Food Trade Groups Seek Preliminary Injunction of Texas ‘Healthy Living’ Labeling Law” and ALWR—July 22, 2025, “Texas Passes Bill to ‘Promote Healthy Living,’ Require Warning Labels for 44 Ingredients.” 

Biotechnology: South Dakota Governor Vetoes Bill Prohibiting ‘Cultivated-Protein Food Products’
On February 9, 2026, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, vetoed HB 1077 (PDF), which would have established “cultivated-protein food products” as “adulterated food.” The bill defined “cultivated-protein food product” as “a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that is derived from manufacturing cells, including processes in which stem cells that were initially isolated from an agricultural food animal are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing process.” According to the governor’s veto letter, the bill “raise[d] significant legal concerns” based on litigation in other states and would have “set[] a precedent that could ultimately harm South Dakota agriculture.” The Governor stated that a temporary moratorium “to allow for further study, data collection, and coordination with federal regulators is a more appropriate course of action.”

Biotechnology: FDA Issues ‘No Questions Letter’ for Plantible’s Lemna Leaf Egg Protein Substitute
On February 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a ‘no questions letter’ to Plantible Foods for its lemna leaf protein (LLP), “a white, odorless powder composed of > 80% protein, moisture, dietary fiber, and a small amount of fat,” which Plantible describes as a “value-added ingredient[]” with “high water-holding capacity” that “creates water-binding capabilities similar to that of an egg.” The letter states that, “[b]ased on the information that Plantible provided, as well as other information available to FDA, we have no questions at this time regarding Plantible’s conclusion that LLP is [Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)]  under its intended conditions of use.”

Nutrition Programs: USDA Approves Four More SNAP Restriction Waivers, Twenty-Two States Now with Waivers
On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved SNAP Food Restriction Waivers for four additional states, totaling twenty-two states with waivers, which “restrict the purchase of non-nutritious items like soda and candy” within their respective Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP). New states with SNAP waivers are

  • Kansas (Target implementation 2/15/27; “Restricts candy and soft drinks.”)
  • Nevada (Target implementation 2/1/28; “Restricts candy and sugar sweetened beverages.”)
  • Ohio (Target implementation 10/1/26; “Restricts sugar-sweetened beverages.”)
  • Wyoming (Target implementation 2/1/27; “Restricts sweetened, carbonated beverages.”)

See also ALWR—Jan. 6, 2026, “USDA Approves More SNAP Restriction Waivers, Eighteen States Now with Waivers.”

Food Policy: Target Announces All Cereal Made Without Synthetic Colors by May 2026
On February 27, 2026, Target Corporation issued a press release (PDF) stating that “[b]y the end of May, 100% of the cereal Target sells in stores and online will be made without certified synthetic colors.” According to the announcement, “Target’s guest insights and sales-trend data show a long-term shift toward foods made without artificial additives.” The company states that it “has worked closely with national brand and owned brand partners to reformulate products where needed” and that it “will continue evaluating opportunities where ingredient evolution aligns with guest expectations.” See also ALWR—Oct. 21, 2025, “Walmart Announces Plan to Eliminate Synthetic Dyes in Private Brand Food Products.”

Wildlife Habitat: Fish & Wildlife Service Publishes Final Rule Removing Lesser-Prairie Chicken from Endangered Species Act List
On February 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Fish and Wildfire Service (FWS) published in the Federal Register a final rule (91 FR 9474) “removing the northern and southern lesser-prairie chicken distinct population segments from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.” FWS promulgated the final rule to comply with orders issued by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas in March 2025 (Kan. Nat. Res. Coal., v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serv., No. 7:23-cv-00159) and August 2025 (State of Texas, v. Dep’t of the Interior, No. 7:23-cv-00047), which removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for both distinct lesser-prairie chicken population segments. Although the rule became effective upon publication, ESA protections for these distinct lesser-prairie chicken population segments have been effective since the issuance of the court orders.

 

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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:

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 and workshops:

Mar. 31, 2026, Special Laws for Seasonal or Temporary Workers

April 28, 2026, Overview of H2A & H2B Non-Immigrant Visa Programs

May 26, 2026, Applying for the H2A and H2B Visa Programs

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., Supreme Court Vacates IEEPA Tariffs, Will Scobey (March 5, 2026)

Southern Ag Today, Where is All the Tariff Money Going and Is it Being Used to Help Farmers?, Bart L. Fischer and Joe Outlaw (Tex. A&M Univ.) (March 5, 2026)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, Beef, Most Fertilizers Exempt from New Trump Tariffs, Ryan Hanrahan (Feb. 25, 2026)

Univ. of Ill. FarmDoc Daily, The U.S. Farm Machinery & Equipment Market: Sales, Inventories, and Tariff Headwinds, Gerald Mashange (Feb. 27, 2026)

Univ. of Ill. Farm Policy News, House Ag Committee Advances Farm Bill with Democrat Support, Ryan Hanrahan (March 5, 2026)

Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, What’s Up with the Farm Bill?, Kristiana Coutu (Feb. 23, 2026)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., EPA’s 2026 Dicamba Labels Come with New Restrictions, Mary Hightower (Feb. 27, 2026)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, The Great Kansas Water War, Roger McEowen (March 5, 2026)

Southern Ag Today, Prime Soils Mitigation for Solar Development, Andrew Branan (NC State) (Feb. 27, 2026)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Texas Food Law Litigation Updates: Part 1, Emily Stone (Feb. 24, 2026)

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Texas Food Law Litigation Updates: Part 2, Emily Stone (March 3, 2026)

Tex. A&M Agric. Law Blog, Court Finds Texas “Fake Meat” Labeling Law Violates First Amendment, Tiffany Dowell Lashmet (March 2, 2026)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, The $714 Million Phantom, Roger McEowen (Feb. 27, 2026)

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Preserving the Family Legacy, Roger McEowen (March 7, 2026)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, New Commodity Program Base Acres, Carl Zulauf, David Marrison, and Seungki Lee (March 5, 2026)

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Ohio Legislative Roundup, Ellen Essman (March 3, 2026)

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES

Shapiro Administration Launches Another Round of Grants to Boost Sales and Expand Export Markets for Pennsylvania Products (March 4, 2026)

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 9 & 10—Feb. 28 & March 7 2026):                      

Department of Agriculture

56 Pa.B. 1147 Notice: “Agricultural Product Promotion, Education and Export Promotion Matching Grant Program; 2025-2026 Application Period”

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

56 Pa.B. 1150 Notice: “Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Public Meeting”

Department of Environmental Protection

56 Pa.B. 1397 Notice: “Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program; Amended Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Intended Use Plan; Available for Public Comment”

56 Pa.B. 1398 Notice: “Environmental Assessment Approvals for PENNVEST Funding Consideration”

56 Pa.B. 1358 Notice: “Interstate Pollution Transport Reduction: Proposed 2026 Ozone Season Nitrogen Oxide Emission Limits for Nonelectric Generating Units”

56 Pa.B. 1359 Notice: “Radiation Protection Advisory Committee Meeting Date”

56 Pa.B. 1219 Notice: “Environmental Justice Advisory Board Meeting Time Change”

56 Pa.B. 1220 Notice: “Opening of New Grant Round for Recycling Program Development and Implementation Grants under Section 902 of Act 101, Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988”

56 Pa.B. 1222 Notice: “Stream Redesignation Evaluation of Shades Creek and Spring Creek; Water Quality Standards Review”

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE

SB 1157 “An Act amending . . . the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, providing for spill response and residential environmental protection; and, in fund, further providing for Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund.” Referred to Environmental Resources & Energy [Senate] (Feb. 27, 2026)

HB 2249 “An Act amending . . . the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of the department and for powers and duties of the Environmental Quality Board.” Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection [House] (Feb. 25, 2026)

HB 2246 “An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in water resources planning, further providing for State water plan and providing for covered data centers . . .” Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection [House] (Feb. 25, 2026)

HR 419 “A Resolution designating April 14, 2026, as ‘Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day’ in Pennsylvania; and recognizing the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as ‘National Animal Control Appreciation Week’ in Pennsylvania.” Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)

HB 2234 “An Act amending . . . the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for spent grain donation tax credit.” Referred to Finance [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)

HB 2229 “An Act amending . . . the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for powers and duties of the department.” Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection [House] (Feb. 20, 2026)

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Administrator Zeldin Announces Selection of Members to the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (March 9, 2026)

Trump EPA Releases Strongest Enforcement and Compliance Results in Years (March 9, 2026)

EPA Launches Initiative to Strengthen Support for Water Systems, Maximize Impact to Ensure Clean, Safe Water for All (March 4, 2026)

EPA reaches $668M settlement agreement for continued cleanup of Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site in Seattle area (March 4, 2026)

EPA Invites Public Comment on Proposed Approval of Missouri’s Request to Regulate Anhydrous Ammonia Fertilizer Facilities (Feb. 26, 2026)

Administrator Zeldin Releases Statement Following President Trump’s State of the Union Address (Feb. 24, 2026)

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

USDA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Advance New World Screwworm Preparedness with New Texas Sterile Fly Facility Contract (March 9, 2026)

USDA Announces New Partnerships to Advance MAHA Agenda (March 4, 2026)

USDA Launches ‘One Farmer, One File’ Initiative to Better Support Farmers (Feb. 26, 2026)

Rollins, Vaden, and Forst Announce Disposal of Dilapidated USDA Facilities (Feb. 25, 2026)

EPA Expands Toxic Chemical Reporting, Strengthening Transparency on PFAS Pollution (Feb. 23, 2026)

President Trump’s National Energy Dominance Council will host the Inaugural Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum (Feb. 23, 2026)

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES

Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA Terminates the Paper and Packaging Research and Promotion Program (March 9, 2026)

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with Mohammad Aziz and Hamza Farm LLC (March 4, 2026)

USDA Files Action Against A. Garcia Produce 2, LLC in Georgia for Alleged PACA Violations (March 4, 202

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with Pork King Packing Inc (March 4, 2026)

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case with Boyer’s Meat Custom Processing LLC (March 4, 2026)

USDA Issues a Packers and Stockyards Complaint against Victoria Livestock & Poultry Market LLC (March 4, 2026)

USDA Seeks Nominees for the Peanut Standards Board (March 3, 2026)

USDA Seeks Organizations to Nominate Members to the American Lamb Board (Feb. 25, 2026)

USDA Announces Rate Increase for Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills Program (Feb. 24, 2026)

USDA Seeks Nominees for the Hazelnut Marketing Board (Feb. 23, 2026)

USDA Seeks Nominees for the American Pecan Council (Feb. 23, 2026)

Agricultural Research Service

An Indoor Air Scrubber for Removing Ammonia in Poultry Houses (Feb. 24, 2026)

Economic Research Service

Documentation for the Agri-Food Economic Data System (Ag-FEDS): Multiplier Model Applications (March 3, 2026)

A More Detailed Food Dollar: Enhanced Accounting of U.S. Food Costs (March 3, 2026)

Persistence of Cover Crop Use in Crop Production in the United States, 2012–2022 (March 2, 2026)

Characterizing Foreign Investment in U.S. Agricultural Land, 2022 (Feb. 26, 2026)

Farm Service Agency

USDA Announces March 2026 Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers (March 2, 2026)

Food and Nutrition Service

Rollins, Vaden, and Forst Announce Disposal of Dilapidated USDA Facilities (Feb. 25, 2026)

Food Safety and Inspection Service

Salmonella Verification Testing: February 02, 2025 through January 31, 2026 (March 6, 2026)

NARMS and Macrolide Resistance in Salmonella and Campylobacter (March 6, 2026)

FSIS Updates for Small Plants (March 4, 2026)

Constituent Update (March 6, 2026)

Constituent Update (Feb. 27, 2026)

Residue Repeat Violators List (Feb. 26, 2026)

Foreign Agricultural Service

Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (March 4, 2026)

Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (March 3, 2026)

Export Sales to Unknown Destinations (Feb. 27, 2026)

Export Sales to Japan (Feb. 26, 2026)

Export Sales to Colombia (Feb. 23, 2026)

National Agricultural Statistics Service

U.S. Horticulture Operations Report $18.3 Billion in Sales (Feb. 26, 2026)

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

NIFA Awards $10M in Animal Nutrition, Growth, and Lactation Grants (March 4, 2026)

NIFA Awards $7.7M in Agricultural Plant Physiology Grants (March 4, 2026)

NIFA Awards $5.4M to Support Agricultural Animal Health (March 4, 2026)

Celebrating the Hatch Act and Agricultural Experiment Stations (March 2, 2026)

NIFA Awards $5.2M to Support Core Plant Research (Feb. 25, 2026)

NIFA Invests $4.4M to Advance Research at Tribal Colleges and Universities (Feb. 25, 2026)

Natural Resources Conservation Service

USDA-NRCS State Technical Advisory Committee meeting set for April 1 (March 9, 2026)

February Storms Brought Needed Snow, but Early Warmth Limits Seasonal Recovery (March 6, 2026)

Roy Blunt Reservoir Receives $62.9 Million from NRCS to Complete Dam and Spillway (Feb. 27, 2026)

CRP Roundtable Advances Conservation and Farmer Empowerment (Feb. 26, 2026)

Agricultural Producers and Landowners Encouraged to Apply for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (Feb. 25, 2026)

NRCS Employees Support Agricultural Literacy at Living Ag Classroom (Feb. 23, 2026)

Rural Development

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests in Johnston County Charter School (March 9, 2026)

USDA Loan Will Expand High-Speed Internet in Baker County (Feb. 27, 2026)

USDA Rural Development Colorado Backs Producers with Funding for Value-Added Agriculture (Feb. 27, 2026)

USDA Accepting Value-Added Producer Grant Applications (Feb. 26, 2026)

USDA Investment Will Expand Agricultural Fertilizer Access for Illinois Farmers (Feb. 26, 2026)

USDA Announces Investment in Klamath Falls Hotel Project (Feb. 24, 2026)

USDA Announces Home Repair Investments in North Dakota (Feb. 24, 2026)

USDA Rural Development invests $19 million to improve the electrical grid in rural Iowa (Feb. 24, 2026)

USDA Celebrates Opening of New Critical Access Hospital in Harlowton (Feb. 23, 2026)

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register: Feb. 23—March 6, 2026):

Agriculture Department

91 FR 10793 Solicitation for nominations; reopen: “Tribal Advisory Committee; Notice of Solicitation for Nominations” (March 5, 2026)

91 FR 8403 Request for information: “Request for Information on Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Areas in Statistical Data, Analysis, and Research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture” (Feb. 23, 2026)

Agricultural Marketing Service

91 FR 9977 Withdrawal of direct final rule: “Cotton Board Rules and Regulations: Adjusting Supplemental Assessment on Imports (2025 Amendments)” (March 2, 2026)

91 FR 9703 Final rule: “Reauthorization of Dairy Forward Pricing Program” (Feb. 27, 2026)

91 FR 9732 Advance notice of proposed rulemaking: “Mandatory Manufacturing Cost Survey Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (Feb. 27, 2026)

91 FR 8707 Final rule: “Economic Adjustment Assistance for Textile Mills-Payment Rate” (Feb. 24, 2026)

Agricultural Research Service

91 FR 10049 Notice and request for comments: “Notice of Intent to Seek OMB Approval to Collect Information: Forms Pertaining to the Scientific Peer Preview of ARS Research Projects” (March 2, 2026)

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

91 FR 11028 Notice of availability: “Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; Availability of a Request and Plant Pest Risk Similarity Assessment for an Extension of Determination of Nonregulated Status for Maize (Corn) Genetically Engineered for Insect Resistance and Herbicide Tolerance” (March 6, 2026)

91 FR 10582 Notice: “Addition of Sri Lanka to the List of Regions Affected by African Swine Fever” (March 4, 2026)

91 FR 10365 Notice of availability: “Notice of Availability of a Pest Risk Analysis for the Importation of Globe Artichoke from Sardinia, Italy into the United States” (March 3, 2026)

91 FR 10364 Notice of availability: “Notice of Proposed Revision to Requirements for the Importation of Pineapples from Taiwan into the United States” (March 3, 2026)

91 FR 9809 Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection; comment request: “Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; Endangered Species Regulations and Forfeiture Procedures” (Feb. 27, 2026)

91 FR 9549 Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection; comment request: “Revision to and Extension of Approval of an Information Collection; 7 CFR Part 340; Introduction of Organisms and Products Altered or Produced Through Genetic Engineering” (Feb. 26, 2026)

Environmental Protection Agency

91 FR 9722 Final rule: “Pesticide Tolerances; Implementing Registration Review Decisions for Certain Pesticides; Maleic Hydrazide, et al.” (Feb. 27, 2026)

91 FR 9718 Final rule: “Pyridate; Pesticide Tolerances” (Feb. 27, 2026)

91 FR 9614 Notice of proposed settlement agreement; request for public comment: “Proposed Settlement Agreement” (Feb. 26, 2026)

Farm Credit Administration

91 FR 10956 Notification of effective date: “Organization, Loan Policies and Operations, Disclosure to Shareholders, Nondiscrimination in Lending, Capital Adequacy of System Institutions, Disclosure to Investors” (March 6, 2026)

91 FR 9760 Proposed rule: “Permanent Capital Revisions” (Feb. 27, 2026)

Food and Drug Administration

91 FR 10524 Notification of petition: “Ecoflora Cares; Filing of Color Additive Petition” (March 4, 2026)

91 FR 10525 Notification of petition: “Kemin Industries, Inc.; Filing of Food Additive Petition (Animal Use)” (March 4, 2026)

91 FR 9285 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations for Medicated Feeds” (Feb. 25, 2026)

91 FR 8886 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Current Good Manufacturing Practice in Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements” (Feb. 24, 2026)

Food and Nutrition Service

91 FR 10365 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Requirement for Interstate Data Matching to Prevent Multiple Issuances” (March 3, 2026)

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

91 FR 10052 Notice; request for comments: “Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: OMB No. 0570-0067″ (March 2, 2026)

91 FR 9239 Notice of funding opportunity: “Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP) for Fiscal Year 2026” (Feb. 25, 2026)

Rural Housing Service

91 FR 9135 Final rule: “Rescinding 30-Day Notification Requirements Related to Eviction Based on Nonpayment of Rent in Multi-Family Housing Direct Properties” (Feb. 25, 2026)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE

H.R.7851 “To amend the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to publish information related to orders under commodity promotion laws.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (March 5, 2026)

H.R.7840 “To amend the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit event contracts based on terrorism, assassination, war, gaming, illegal activity, election outcomes, government activities, or other activities determined by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to be contrary to the public interest, and to allow States to exempt themselves from the prohibition on gaming contracts.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (March 5, 2026)

H.R.7832 “To establish the America’s Living Library Project, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, House Administration, and Energy and Commerce (March 5, 2026)

H.R.7818 “To amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to allow interstate shipment of meat and meat food products inspected and passed under qualifying State programs.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (March 5, 2026)

H.R.3553 “BRUSH Fires Act” Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent (March 5, 2026)

H.R.2709 “Save Our Sequoias Act” Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent (March 5, 2026)

H.R.7567 “Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026” Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 34 – 17 (March 4, 2026)

H.R.5419 “Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act” Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (March 4, 2026)

H.R.4386 “America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act” Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (March 4, 2026)

H.R.204 “ACRES Act” Referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably (March 4, 2026)

H.R.7762 “To amend the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004 to require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a pilot program to provide recovery payments to producers of seasonal and perishable crops that experience low prices caused by imports, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (March 3, 2026)

H.R.7761 “To reauthorize and improve the relending program to resolve ownership and succession on farmland, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (March 3, 2026)

H.R.7734 “To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to include additional priorities as research and extension initiatives, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 26, 2026)

H.R.7712 “To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to collaborate with various entities, and to establish a grant program, as a means of supporting nurseries and seed orchards, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 25, 2026)

H.R.7695 “To provide that the final rule titled “Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation” and issued on January 12, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 3244) shall have no force or effect and require the Secretary of Agriculture to construct certain roads on National Forest System lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources (Feb. 25, 2026)

H.R.7670 “To require a report on the competitiveness of United States exports of specialty crops.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 25, 2026)

H.R.7665 “To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to add biological pest control to the list of high-priority research and extension areas.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 24, 2026)

H.R.7658 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the promulgation of cybersecurity and digital service regulations relating to the use of EBT cards under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 24, 2026)

H.R.7458 “Domestic ORE Act” Subcommittee Hearings Held (Feb. 24, 2026)

H.R.5419 “Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 441 (Feb. 24, 2026)

H.R.7650 “To amend Public Law 87-788 (commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry Act; 16 U.S.C. 582a-7) to provide for equal treatment of the District of Columbia with respect to funds made available under that Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 23, 2026)

H.Res.1073 “Expressing support for the designation of February 21 through February 28, 2026, as “National FFA Week”, recognizing the important role of the National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the chartering of the State of Alaska as a State FFA Association.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture (Feb. 23, 2026)

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

S.4017 “A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to ban certain Government officials from trading event contracts, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (March 5, 2026)

S.3958 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to transition Puerto Rico to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (March 2, 2026)

S.3949 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the promulgation of cybersecurity and digital service regulations relating to the use of EBT cards under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 26, 2026)

S.3936 “A bill to amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for guaranteed and direct loans to individuals or entity members that hold at least a 50 percent interest and that are or will become qualified operators of the farm real estate acquired, improved, or supported with farm ownership, operating, or emergency loans, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 26, 2026)

S.3915 “A bill to require a report on the competitiveness of United States exports of specialty crops.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (Feb. 25, 2026)

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE—UPCOMING HEARINGS

U.S. House Ag. Comm., Full Committee Markup: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST

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

U.S. Senate Ag. Comm., Increasing Domestic Consumption of U.S.-Grown Agricultural Products, March 10, 3:00 PM EST

 

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