Statement for the Record before the House Agriculture Committee on the 2026 Farm Bill

Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig, and members of the Committee, the American Bankers Association (ABA) appreciates the opportunity to provide our views on H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, commonly known as the 2026 Farm Bill, which is scheduled for Committee consideration on March 3, 2026. We appreciate the Committee's continued work to support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through this critical legislation.

Banks remain one of the primary sources of credit for America’s agricultural producers. Banks that offer agricultural lending products serve a wide range of customers—large and small farms, urban agriculture operations, beginning farmers, and USDA-defined historically underserved producers, including women and minority farmers and ranchers. A strong agricultural economy requires strong credit availability, and the banking industry stands ready to continue meeting the financial needs of rural America. Banks play a critical role in rural communities, and this bill includes meaningful policy reforms that will enhance lenders’ ability to serve their customers in the years ahead, as producers face ongoing economic challenges, rising input costs, and volatile markets.

The 2026 Farm Bill includes essential tools that support producers and their financial partners, including comprehensive risk management programs, loan guarantees, rural development investments, nutrition assistance, and conservation initiatives. This legislation will strengthen credit availability, enhance risk management, and help agricultural lenders continue serving their customers effectively.

As set forth in greater detail below, the ABA commends the Committee for including many of ABA's priorities in this important legislation, including modernizing Farm Service Agency (FSA) loan guarantee limits, clarifying bona-fide operator rules for beginning farmer programs, modernizing and raising limits for the down payment assistance program, and providing strong risk management tools that allow our customers to have greater stability and predictability for each growing season.

Download the statement for the record to read the full text.