Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) voted to pass the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 out of the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation will support key components of America’s agricultural economy and support Hoosier farmers through every season.
“I am extremely proud to represent a rural district where agriculture is not just part of the economy, it is the economy,” said Congressman Baird. “Our landscape is defined by corn and soybean fields that feed our country, fuel our bioeconomy, and supply global markets. The Farm Bill supports the very future of communities like mine.”
“I am proud of the work I have done on this bill, and I am also very pleased that several of my priorities are included in this bill: the Increased TSP Access Act, Strengthening Local Processing Act, NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act, and the Plant Biostimulant Act,” said Congressman Baird. “Each of these provisions will provide necessary support to our farmers and our great agriculture industry. I urge the Senate to take up this bill and quickly pass it to deliver the certainty our farmers deserve.”
Congressman Baird’s Provisions 2026 within the Farm Bill:
- The Increased TSP Access Act addresses Technical Service Provider (TSP) shortages by establishing a more streamlined certification process and increasing the number of TSPs to help farmers with their conservation efforts.
- The NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act strengthens the partnership between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to promote cross-cutting and collaborative research.
- The Strengthening Local Processing Act makes it easier for local livestock and poultry producers to process meat locally and expands access to federal resources.
- The Plant Biostimulant Act creates a uniform federal definition for plant biostimulants and establishes a consistent regulatory pathway to market.
The bill has numerous additional provisions that directly support Indiana’s Fourth District:
- Puts emphasis on science and technological innovation in conservation standards and process reviews.
- Directs development of crop insurance to bolster research and private sector delivery systems by studying ways to modernize risk management.
- Provides continued support for land-grant institutions.
- Supports competition for research, extension, and educational activities.
- Promotes interagency coordination on Federal agency research of agriculture.
- Increases access to the Rural Energy for America Program.
- Addresses California’s Proposition 12, which harmed pork producers nationwide.
- Strengthens rural broadband connectivity for rural communities.
- Protects rural healthcare initiatives.
- Transfers the authority over the Food for Peace Act to the USDA and makes U.S. commodities a priority over non-American goods.