Farm Bill Update: Senate Farm Bill Markup Set for This Summer — Here's What Organic Advocates Need to Know.

On April 30, the House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026. Now it's the Senate’s turn and the window to shape the outcome is open right now. 

Is your Senator on the Senate Ag Committee? If so, it’s even more important for you to contact your Senator today. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman has tentatively scheduled a Farm Bill markup for July/August, a key procedural step where committee members debate, amend, and vote on draft legislative text. But the most important window for influencing the bill may be right now. Chairman Boozman has indicated that bill text could be released in the next week or so, which means the decisions about what makes it into the base text are likely being made now. Once the bill is released, it becomes harder to add missing priorities.

Now is the time to urge the Senate to support organic agriculture — take action via NOC's action alert.

A summer timeline signals momentum, but it doesn’t mean a final bill is guaranteed. Getting the Farm Bill through the Senate requires bipartisan support that may not exist. Democrats are focused on addressing SNAP cuts included in the Republican tax and spending bill passed last summer but the Republicans willingness to negotiate on that front appears mixed. The bill text and the markup that follows will provide important insight into which policy priorities are gaining traction and which are likely to face resistance.

What NOC Is Watching For

NOC will be closely tracking the bill text and markup for progress on key organic priorities raised with House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders last fall. These include:

  • Full funding for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program

  • The collection and reporting of organic dairy data, which is essential to the viability of organic dairy producers

  • Adequate resources and authority for the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) to effectively oversee and enforce organic standards

  • Increased investment in organic research to keep pace with the growth of the organic sector

How Marker Bills Fit In

Much of the real policy groundwork happens through marker bills—stand-alone bills that signal priorities, build bipartisan support, and lay the foundation for inclusion in larger legislative packages like the Farm Bill. NOC is actively supporting a set of bipartisan marker bills that reflect the needs of organic farmers, businesses, and communities, ranging from organic research and dairy support to market development and transition assistance. These bills help ensure that organic priorities remain visible and viable as negotiations continue. NOC is also working closely with partner organizations and Senate staff to identify additional marker bill opportunities that could strengthen organic integrity, improve oversight, and address emerging needs in the organic sector.

Looking Ahead

Key dates to watch: bill text expected in the coming weeks; markup anticipated July–August.

NOC, alongside our members, will continue engaging with lawmakers and partner organizations, tracking developments closely, and pushing for a Farm Bill that meets the needs of the growing organic sector. Make your voice heard today via NOC's action alert.

Callie HerronFarm Bill, Action Alert, Advocacy