Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

This bill provides appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development programs, the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It details funding allocations across numerous federal entities and programs, ensuring the continued operation of essential services related to food, agriculture, and rural communities. The legislation is structured into several titles, each addressing specific areas of expenditure and policy. Title I, "Agricultural Programs," allocates funds for USDA offices, including the Office of the Secretary, Chief Economist, and Inspector General, supporting administrative functions, policy research, and oversight. It also provides significant funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture , emphasizing research, education, and extension activities, with specific grants for tribal and underserved institutions. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service receive appropriations for disease control, market regulation, and various marketing services. Title II, "Farm Production and Conservation Programs," focuses on supporting farmers and natural resource management. It funds the Farm Service Agency for county office operations, state mediation grants, and agricultural credit insurance, including direct and guaranteed loans for farm ownership and operating expenses. The Risk Management Agency is funded for crop insurance compliance, while the Natural Resources Conservation Service receives appropriations for conservation operations, watershed protection, and flood prevention, including multi-benefit irrigation modernization projects. Title III, "Rural Development Programs," aims to improve the quality of life and economic opportunities in rural areas. It provides substantial funding for rural housing services, including direct and guaranteed loans, rental assistance, and grants for housing repair and preservation. Rural business development, cooperative development, and microentrepreneur assistance programs are also funded. Additionally, the bill allocates resources for rural community facilities, water and waste disposal systems, rural electrification, telecommunications, and broadband expansion , including a pilot program for broadband loans and grants. Title IV, "Domestic Food Programs," ensures access to nutritious food for vulnerable populations. It appropriates funds for child nutrition programs , the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) , and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) . This title also covers commodity assistance programs, including the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Act, alongside administrative expenses for nutrition programs. Title V, "Foreign Assistance and Related Programs," supports international agricultural efforts and food aid. It funds the Foreign Agricultural Service for overseas operations, the Cochran and Borlaug Fellowship Programs, and provides significant appropriations for Food for Peace Title II Grants and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants. A key provision in this section mandates an interagency review for a potential transfer of the Food for Peace program to the Foreign Agricultural Service. Title VI, "Related Agencies and Food and Drug Administration," allocates substantial resources to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for salaries and expenses, derived partly from various user fees. This funding supports critical functions across human foods, drug evaluation, biologics, veterinary medicine, medical devices, and tobacco product regulation, with specific emphasis on inspections and enforcement. The Farm Credit Administration also receives a limitation on administrative expenses. Title VII, "General Provisions," outlines administrative rules, limitations, and policy directives applicable across the funded agencies. These include restrictions on vehicle purchases, transfers to the Working Capital Fund, IT system approvals, and reprogramming of funds. It also addresses specific policy matters such as the definition of hemp, enforcement of FDA regulations on e-cigarettes and sodium reduction, and requirements for "Buy American" iron and steel products in rural water projects. Several provisions rescind unobligated balances from prior year appropriations across various programs.