New Farm Funding Bill Moves to Senate

By Scout Nelson

 The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation supports several agriculture and rural development priorities and now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak of North Dakota voted in favor of the measure, which builds on recent House actions that include year-round E15 legislation and a proposed five-year Farm Bill. The bill aims to provide funding and support for agriculture, rural communities, research programs, and food safety efforts across the country.

“This bill continues the work we’ve been doing to deliver real results for agriculture and rural America,” Fedorchak said. “After passing year-round E15 and a long-term Farm Bill, the House with this appropriations bill is investing in our nation’s agriculture priorities. This legislation strengthens support for ag research, animal health, rural infrastructure, meat inspection, and farm programs while also improving oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland. North Dakota producers help feed, fuel, and power the country, and I’ll continue supporting policies that keep them competitive and strengthen our communities.”

The legislation provides $1.226 billion for the Food Safety and Inspection Service. The funding includes increased support for meat and poultry inspectors and state inspection programs that help processing facilities operate safely and efficiently.

Funding is also directed to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to strengthen protections against foreign pests and diseases that could affect U.S. agriculture. The bill supports land-grant universities and agricultural research programs that help producers improve productivity and respond to new challenges.

Several rural development initiatives are included as well. These programs support electric loan programs, broadband expansion, housing loan authority, and other infrastructure projects that benefit rural communities.

The legislation contains measures to improve oversight of foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land. It also increases transparency requirements for federally funded agricultural research involving certain foreign governments.

Additional provisions include increased inspection of foreign drug manufacturing facilities, continued Buy American requirements, and changes to funding for several climate and regulatory programs.