The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (i.e., the Farm Bill) by a 224-200 vote on April 30, following concerns that the original bill would shield chemical companies from liability.
Ahead of final passage, the House of Representatives passed an amendment from Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida) that removed language that would have created uniform pesticide labels nationwide, preventing states from enacting stricter label laws. Luna’s amendment mirrored one from Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Representative Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky).
“I do not support giving blanket immunity to corporations at the expense of American families. ... This amendment ensures we stand on the side of the American people and the health of our nation, not corporate interests,” Luna shared in a statement.
Congresswoman Pingree commended the removal of the language around pesticides but fell short of commending the entirety of the Farm Bill, stating in a press release:
“While I’m relieved that we were able to remove language that would have shielded giant chemical companies like Bayer from liability for harms caused by toxic pesticides, this bill does little to address the very real pain that millions of people across the country are feeling right now. Republicans talk a big game about being the champions of rural America. About helping hardworking families. About how they’re trying to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ But when it comes time to walk that walk, they go where their corporate donors tell them to go—every time. This Farm Bill is no different.”
This House passage of the Farm Bill comes as various states propose their own legislation that would protect chemical suppliers from liability. Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, and Wyoming have introduced state legislation that would limit the liability of pesticide makers, as the National Agricultural Law Center shared.
Biotech gets a boost in the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill also included a provision that would create an Office of Biotechnology Policy within the USDA, via Sec. 10213 of the legislation. The department would lead policies and activities “related to biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, and related emerging technologies, while taking into account the effects of regulatory actions of other government agencies,” the bill stated.
A Director of the Office of Biotechnology Policy would work with academics, ag products, biotech companies, and other groups to create policies related to commercialization, communications, extension and education, research and development, and regulation and labeling. This office would have a $1 million appropriation from 2027 to 2031.
Where the farm bill goes from here
The Farm Bill will head to the Senate for debate, with 60 votes needed to pass the legislation. Since House passage, various farming and trade groups came out in support of the bill, including the American Farm Bureau Federation.
“After three years of extensions and eight years since a farm bill was passed, we’re grateful the House found a bipartisan path forward. Important updates to research and conservation, as well as increased loan limits and clarity on interstate commerce, will help farmers survive today’s challenges and give them the tools to thrive in the future,” American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a press release.
He added, “We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and move this important bipartisan legislation forward. Food security is national security, and investing in America’s farmers and ranchers is an investment in America’s families. We all benefit from a reliable and affordable food supply.”
