National Sorghum Producers and the American Soybean Association are urging the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to advance the Agricultural Act of 2026, emphasizing the need for a bipartisan five-year farm bill that provides greater certainty for farmers facing a difficult economic environment.

A key priority for National Sorghum Producers is preserving language that would permanently allow nationwide, year-round sales of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. The proposal would eliminate the seasonal regulatory restriction on E15 sales and direct the Environmental Protection Agency to update fuel dispenser labeling and underground storage tank regulations that have limited broader retailer adoption.

The organization said permanent year-round E15 would strengthen domestic demand for grain by providing greater certainty for ethanol producers while expanding fuel choices for consumers.

Ethanol production remains an important market for sorghum growers, with ethanol plants across the Sorghum Belt accounting for an estimated 20% to 30% of annual U.S. sorghum demand. National Sorghum Producers said the industry supports rural employment, energy security and value-added opportunities for agriculture.

The group also pointed to continued financial pressures facing producers, including weak commodity prices, high production costs and uncertainty in export markets. It said expanding reliable domestic demand through year-round E15 would provide greater stability than relying on temporary regulatory waivers.

The American Soybean Association echoed the call for congressional action, urging lawmakers to move the farm bill toward final passage this year. The organization said soybean farmers continue to face rising input costs, low commodity prices and ongoing trade uncertainty while Congress approaches another expiration deadline for the repeatedly extended 2018 Farm Bill.

ASA encouraged the Senate Agriculture Committee to reach a bipartisan compromise that advances the Agricultural Act of 2026 and maintains momentum toward enactment of a comprehensive five-year farm bill.

Both organizations said timely passage of the legislation would provide long-term certainty for farmers and rural communities while addressing the economic challenges facing U.S. agriculture.

Sources:

National Sorghum Producers, "National Sorghum Producers Urges Senate to Preserve Year-Round E15, Advance Farm Bill"

American Soybean Association, "ASA Urges Senate Ag Committee to Advance Bipartisan Five-Year Farm Bill"