On August 6, 2026, the Senate Agriculture Committee did not advance the Agricultural Act of 2026 after members remained divided over proposed changes involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Although the disagreement centered on SNAP, the broader Farm Bill included several provisions related to federal crop insurance and producer risk management.
Proposed updates included:
- Expanded research and coverage development for specialty and organic crops
- Further study of coverage for wildfire smoke damage and frost or freeze losses
- Additional support for veteran farmers and ranchers
- Improvements to the crop insurance delivery system
- Development of additional risk-management options for crops, livestock and regional production practices
Because the bill did not advance on August 6, these provisions remain proposals. The committee action does not immediately change existing crop insurance policies, current RMA requirements or the handling of active claims.
Many authorities under the 2018 Farm Bill are currently extended through September 30, 2026, adding another important date to the ongoing negotiations.
For agents, adjusters, carriers and claims managers, the main takeaway is that future crop insurance development remains unsettled, particularly for specialty crops and losses that can be difficult to insure under current programs.
ACA will continue following Farm Bill negotiations and reporting on developments that may affect agricultural insurance coverage, claims handling and producer risk management.
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