CivicIndex

Federal Policy

Agriculture and Food

Federal agriculture and food policy covers everything from crop insurance and farm subsidies to nutrition assistance and rural development. It runs through the Farm Bill cycle every five years, with the Agriculture committees writing the rules that shape what gets grown, who can afford to eat, and how rural America funds its infrastructure.

Committees with jurisdiction

  • House Committee on Agriculture
  • Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
  • Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

Members who specialize in this area

Leadership

Committee members

76 more members on jurisdictional committees not shown.

Recent bills in this area

  • HR. 9304 — Juice Access Improvement Act

    Sponsor:
    Glenn Thompson · Republican · PA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • HR. 9305 — Juice for Healthy Families Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Glenn Thompson · Republican · PA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • S. 4730 — Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2026

    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

  • S. 4716 — SNAP Fraud Reporting Act of 2026

    Sponsor:
    Rick Scott · Republican · FL
    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

  • HR. 9164 — FRESH Act

    Sponsor:
    Glenn Thompson · Republican · PA
    Latest action:
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

  • S. 4651 — Increasing Insurance Access for Specialty Crops Act

    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

  • S. 4654 — Expanding Market Access Act

    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

  • S. 4652 — Advancing Automation Research and Development in Agriculture Act

    Latest action:
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Frequently asked

What Congressional committees handle agriculture policy?

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture have primary jurisdiction. They write the Farm Bill, oversee USDA programs, and regulate commodity markets.

What is the Farm Bill?

The Farm Bill is a sweeping piece of legislation Congress passes roughly every five years. It funds crop insurance, food stamps (SNAP), conservation programs, rural broadband, and a range of agricultural research and development.