Farm Bill Extension
What it is: Congress has released a one-year extension of the Farm Bill, packaged with the FY2026 agriculture appropriations bill.
What it means: While funding is maintained for some key programs, the bill cuts nearly $100 million from conservation technical assistance and fails to renew important conservation incentives. These choices risk weakening climate resilience, disadvantaging family farmers, and slowing progress toward a more sustainable and equitable food system.
Take action: Learn more here, then contact your Members of Congress to urge them to protect conservation funding and prioritize climate-smart agriculture, fair market access, and support for small and mid-sized farmers in the full 2026 Farm Bill.
Lame Duck Session Legislative Priorities for the Food System:
Pitch in to get these bills passed! New Jersey’s Lame Duck session — the brief post-election window when lawmakers push to pass pending legislation — is here, and several critical food system bills are on the line.
These proposals would help schools buy more local food, support farmers with value-added and beginning-farmer loan programs, protect public health, expand access to urban farmland, and strengthen NJ’s aquaculture sector.
What it is: Local Food in Schools (A3742 / S1637)
What it means: Creates a Farm to School Local Food Procurement Grant Program to reimburse districts for sourcing local food.
What it is: Urban Agriculture & Land Access (A5627 / S4350)
What it means: Updates CBT allocations and authorizes the Garden State Preservation Trust and local governments to acquire land in urban areas for agriculture.
What it is: Value-Added Agriculture (S1879)
What it means: Requires NJEDA to create a Value-Added Agriculture Loan Program to help farmers develop new products and revenue streams.
What it is: Safer, Healthier Foods (A4132 / S3016)
What it means: Prohibits the sale, distribution, and manufacturing of certain harmful food additives in commercial food products.
What it is: Beginning Farmer Support (A4229 / S1881)
What it means: Directs NJEDA to establish a loan program for beginning farmers to finance critical capital purchases.
What it is: Strengthening NJ Aquaculture (A3034 / S216)
What it means: Directs the Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote NJ aquaculture products through the Jersey Fresh Program.
Take action:
Your voice matters, especially in this critical lame duck time period.
📲 Contact your legislators about the bills you support.
🗣️ Share this newsletter with friends and colleagues.
💪 Help ensure New Jersey invests in a fair, resilient, and healthy food system.
