From the mailbag: The Farm Bill

Idahoans contact me regularly with valuable input about the issues our country faces. The Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, commonly known as the Farm Bill, is one of the issues Idahoans have contacted me about, and the following is my response:

Idaho’s diverse and abundant agriculture industry contributes significantly to the economy, with Idaho farmers and ranchers producing 190 different commodities statewide and helping feed communities across the nation and around the world. As Congress continues working toward a long-term Farm Bill, my priority remains ensuring federal agriculture policy reflects the realities of modern production agriculture while empowering farmers and ranchers to remain stewards of our lands and natural resources.

The 2018 Farm Bill required multiple extensions in recent years to prevent disruptions to important farm, conservation, nutrition and trade programs. Congress has also enacted temporary updates to portions of the agricultural safety net, including adjustments to reference prices and certain commodity support programs intended to help producers respond to rising input costs and market uncertainty.

Most recently, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations package extended the legal authorities of the 2018 Farm Bill through September 30, 2026. While these measures provide temporary continuity, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive, long-term Farm Bill that provides certainty for producers, rural communities and consumers alike.

On June 23, 2026, the Senate Agriculture Committee released its drafted legislative text, known as Farm Bill 2.0. I remain focused on advancing policies that strengthen crop insurance, support market access and trade opportunities, improve risk management tools and ensure conservation programs remain voluntary and producer driven. Idaho producers continue to face challenges ranging from inflation and input costs to drought, trade uncertainty and market volatility, making a stable and workable Farm Bill critically important.

I appreciate you sharing your input on certain provisions within the current Senate Farm Bill, as it is essential for me to know the perspectives of all Idahoans. Input from Idaho farmers, ranchers, producers and rural communities is essential as Congress continues working toward bipartisan legislation that supports the long-term strength and security of American agriculture.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I will continue to advocate for progress on the passage of a new Farm Bill. If you would like to leave further suggestions for the Farm Bill or express further thoughts on the authorization process, please submit feedback through this link: crapo.senate.gov/contact/email-me. Please feel free to contact me in the future on matters of interest to you. 

You can also find more information about what is going on in the U.S. Senate as well as news releases, photos and other items at my Senate website, crapo.senate.gov.

Resources to assist Idahoans who need help with federal agencies and how to contact me are also on the website and as follows:

• Boise: 

251 E. Front St., Suite 205

Boise ID, 83702

Phone: (208) 334-1776

Fax: (208) 334-9044

• Coeur d' Alene

610 Hubbard, Suite 209

Coeur d' Alene, ID 83814

Phone: (208) 664-5490

Fax: (208) 664-0889

• Idaho Falls

410 Memorial Dr., Suite 204

Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Phone: (208) 522-9779

Fax: (208) 529-8367

• Lewiston

313 'D' St., Suite 105

Lewiston, ID 83501

Phone: (208) 743-1492

Fax: (208) 743-6484

• Pocatello

275 S. 5th Ave., Suite 100

Pocatello, ID 83201

Phone: (208) 236-6775

Fax: (208) 236-6935

• Twin Falls

202 Falls Ave., Suite 2

Twin Falls, ID 83301

Phone: (208) 734-2515

Fax: (208) 733-0414

• Washington, D.C.

239 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20510

Phone: (202) 224-6142

Fax: (202) 228-1375

Your messages help shape my approach on a number of important matters. Please continue to contact me and share your thoughts.

Mike Crapo represents the state of Idaho in the U.S. Senate. He can be reached at crapo.senate.gov.