Legislative Activity

The Dairy Farm Resiliency Act strengthens support for dairy producers by modernizing how production history is calculated to better reflect current operations. Additionally, the bill expands access to lower premium rates by increasing the production threshold for Tier I coverage. These updates aim to provide dairy farmers with more effective and relevant financial protection.

The MAPLE Act expands the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to include maple syrup as an eligible food item. This legislation allows low-income seniors to use their program benefits to purchase locally produced maple syrup alongside fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The CAREERS Act expands and extends rural workforce training programs to better align education with local economic needs. By broadening eligibility for training providers and supporting diverse industry sectors, the bill aims to address rural workforce challenges like youth migration and aging populations. Additionally, it introduces enhanced reporting requirements to ensure programs effectively improve employment and earnings outcomes for rural participants through 2030.

The GRAPE Act (Grape Research And Protection Expansion Act) directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to develop and offer specialized insurance coverage for table, wine, and juice grapes against losses caused by freeze events. This legislation mandates that the policy be researched, developed, and made available to growers within 18 months. Additionally, the Act requires a formal report to Congress detailing the implementation and effectiveness of these new insurance protections.

The Supporting All Producers (SAP) Act of 2025 extends the authorization of the Acer Access and Development Program through 2030. It also mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture consult with maple industry stakeholders to better align grant-funded research and education priorities with the needs of producers.

The Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act increases transparency in the dairy industry by requiring manufacturers to report detailed production costs and product yield data to the Secretary of Agriculture. This legislation mandates that these metrics be disclosed for all products processed within a facility, ensuring a more comprehensive view of dairy operations. The Secretary will publish these findings biennially to provide greater market insight for farmers and stakeholders.

The Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2025 extends the federal Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through 2030. This legislation ensures continued support for critical remote healthcare and educational infrastructure in rural communities.