The U.S. House Agriculture Committee advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill), legislation that would expand dairy nutrition incentives in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthen key dairy programs. During markup, the committee adopted an amendment sponsored by Reps. Tony Wied (R-WI) and Josh Riley (D-NY) to include yogurt and other cultured dairy products in the proposed Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects (DNIP), alongside milk and cheese.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement:
“IDFA applauds Chairman Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for advancing a Farm Bill that strengthens key dairy programs and expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. Building on the success of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program, Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects will encourage SNAP participants to purchase more nutrient-dense dairy foods and help ensure federal nutrition programs support healthier food choices for families across the country. At a time when policymakers across the country are focused on improving Americans’ health through nutrition programs, expanding access to wholesome dairy foods through SNAP is an important step forward. We are especially grateful to Representatives Tony Wied and Josh Riley for their leadership in adding yogurt and other cultured dairy products to the program, ensuring it reflects the full range of nutritious dairy foods families enjoy. Expanding these incentives will help more families access wholesome dairy products while supporting America’s dairy farmers and processors.
“In addition to expanding dairy nutrition incentives, the bill includes several other priorities for the U.S. dairy industry, including permanent authorization of Mandatory Cost Surveys to ensure Federal Milk Marketing Order make allowances reflect current manufacturing costs, and permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program. IDFA encourages House and Senate leaders to continue advancing Farm Bill negotiations this year to strengthen dairy programs and broaden the reach and effectiveness of SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the Administration to move this bill forward.”
Plant Based Products Council Executive Director James Glueck released the following statement after the bipartisan vote (March 4, 2026) to advance the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 through the House Agriculture Committee. The bill, which passed on a 34-17 vote, includes important provisions from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act.
“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 makes critical investments in U.S. biomanufacturing
“We urge House leadership and the Senate to build on this momentum and move swiftly to pass these priorities into law to secure America’s leadership in the growing bioeconomy.”
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes important provisions from the Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act and the Agricultural Biorefinery Innovation and Opportunity (Ag BIO) Act, two bipartisan, bicameral bills endorsed by PBPC.
The Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act includes vital changes to strengthen USDA’s BioPreferred Program, improve understanding and industry data across government, and establish uniform terminology for biobased product labeling to support the future growth of the plant-based products industry. The bill is supported by Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) and Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), Mark Messmer (R-IN), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Jim Baird (R-IN), and Mike Flood (R-NE).
The Ag BIO Act makes critical investments in the future of bioeconomy infrastructure and development and streamlines existing lending authorities at USDA. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) support the legislation.
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