The Agriculture Act of 2026 failed to receive enough votes Thursday to advance from the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, delaying action on legislation that included several priorities for corn and sorghum growers.
The bill, also known as the Farm Bill 2.0, included provisions that would allow for the year-round sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15. The provision has been a key priority for corn growers seeking to expand domestic demand for U.S.-grown corn.
National Sorghum Producers also supported the legislation because of its year-round, nationwide E15 provision and an amendment from Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., related to Food for Peace.
The committee's failure to advance the bill comes as farmers face weak commodity prices, high production costs and continued economic uncertainty. Farm groups urged senators to resume negotiations and advance a bipartisan farm bill.
The National Corn Growers Association said year-round E15 access would provide a positive opportunity for corn growers amid difficult economic conditions. The organization called for quick congressional action, citing the limited time remaining in the current congressional session.
National Sorghum Producers similarly urged lawmakers to return to negotiations and deliver legislation that provides farmers with greater certainty, expands markets through year-round E15 and maintains the Food for Peace provision.
The Agriculture Act of 2026 was intended to address a broad range of agricultural policy priorities, but the lack of sufficient votes in committee prevents the legislation from moving forward at this time.
Sources:
National Sorghum Producers, "National Sorghum Producers disappointed as Senate farm bill does not advance"
National Corn Growers Association, "Frustrated by Farm Bill Failure, NCGA President Calls for Urgent Bipartisan Action "