The Senate Committee on Appropriations has approved the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill, which aims to support rural communities, farmers, and food security, was passed unanimously with a 27-0 vote.
The legislation allocates $27.1 billion in discretionary funding. Senator Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, stated that the bill supports various sectors including “our farmers and rural communities,” as well as federal nutrition programs and medical research. She emphasized her commitment to championing this funding throughout the appropriations process.
Senator John Hoeven, Chair of the Agriculture Subcommittee, highlighted investments in agricultural tools such as better access to capital and marketing assistance. He noted that the bill prioritizes pest and disease prevention efforts like those against avian flu.
Key allocations include $3.6 billion for agricultural research programs and $1.2 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) receives $223 million to support U.S. agricultural products domestically and internationally.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is set to receive $1.2 billion to enhance safety in the meat industry. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will get $1.6 billion to support farm loans worth $10.5 billion.
Additional funding includes $895 million for conservation services through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and $3.7 billion for rural development initiatives such as affordable housing rental assistance.
Nutrition programs are allocated significant funds: $8.2 billion for Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) and $425 million for senior nutrition assistance through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
Internationally, the bill provides $1.5 billion for Food for Peace Title II Grants and outlines plans to transfer its program from USAID to the Foreign Agricultural Service.
The FDA is allocated a total of $7 billion when including user fee revenues with targeted increases in areas such as food safety inspections.
