The Illinois Farm Bureau is mobilizing its members to urge congressional support for the proposed 2026 farm bill, as the House Agriculture Committee prepares to begin markups on Monday.
House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson introduced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 on February 13th. With the 2018 farm bill having expired in 2023 and only temporary extensions in place, lawmakers are under pressure to enact long-term farm policy.
The proposed legislation builds on previous versions considered by the committee in 2024, but includes several important changes. Among the highlights are strengthened disaster programs, improved support for specialty crops, updates to Proposition 12, enhanced conservation programs through 2031, increased funding for trade promotion, higher loan limits, and expanded resources for new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers.
Illinois Farm Bureau is specifically calling on House Agriculture Committee members from Illinois—Representatives Mike Bost, Nikki Budzinski, Jonathan Jackson, Mary Miller, and Eric Sorensen—to support the bill during committee discussions. The organization also encourages all Illinois representatives to back the bill if it moves to a full House vote.
Farmers across Illinois are facing mounting challenges, including low commodity prices, rising costs, ongoing inflation, and outdated farm policy that has not seen a full update since 2018. Many are struggling to stay afloat amid tight profit margins and uncertainty.
Farm Bureau members are asked to contact their congressional representatives and advocate for a “yes” vote on the bill. The action request will remain open through the committee’s vote and can be accessed at: https://ilfb.quorum.us/campaign/155789/.