Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026

This legislation aims to simplify the process for direct marketing farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs. It mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a streamlined application process for these farmers to become vendors under programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program.

The streamlining can be achieved through two methods: either by developing a single application that farmers can use for all covered programs, or by creating an information-sharing system. This system would allow a farmer approved for one program to be automatically prequalified as an eligible vendor for the others. The Secretary is also required to establish a streamlined process for benefit processing, utilizing standardized technology like a single piece of equipment or a mobile application for vendors.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law to ensure that equipment provided to farmers markets and other direct-to-consumer markets is appropriate for their needs, specifically requiring the provision of wireless or mobile processing equipment and technology systems to facilitate benefit transactions. The Secretary is further tasked with submitting a report to Congress within one year, detailing the progress made in implementing these streamlined processes.