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Sociology of Agriculture and Food (SAFRIG)

Is the Farm Bill Dead? Rebecca Schewe*, Rebecca Schewe,

Is the Farm Bill as we know it dead? I examine the current status of the long-delayed Farm Bill, tracing how repeated extensions and the One Big Beautiful Bill have reshaped the landscape for food and agriculture policy. I argue that reconciliation’s deep cuts to SNAP and expanded commodity subsidies have reduced incentives for bipartisan compromise, complicating prospects for a robust Farm Bill even as farmers face mounting economic pressure, climate-driven disasters, and growing reliance on ad hoc aid. The talk assesses the House’s emerging draft proposals, highlighting key concerns for conservation, local food systems, and equity, and considers how the approaching midterm elections may further delay or reshape negotiations. Ultimately, the presentation asks whether Congress still has the political will to enact a full farm bill, and what is at stake if not.