- $50 million in grants for farmer-led projects on hold weeks before expiration (Politico): Nearly $50 million in grant funding for farmers to test new practices, solve production challenges, and spread knowledge remains tied up, just weeks before it risks being sent back to the Treasury. The holdup, confirmed by insiders but not explained by USDA, affects the bipartisan Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program (SARE), created in 1988 to fund research and education in sustainable agriculture. Grants—usually distributed in the spring—support more than 500 farmers annually, addressing issues like drought, pests, yields, or experimenting with cover crops. While some money flows through universities and nonprofits, most grants go straight to farmers and ranchers for on-the-ground projects.
- White House weighs rule on biofuel blending waivers (Reuters): The White House is weighing a major rule that could shift the balance between farmers and oil refiners under the Renewable Fuel Standard. At issue is whether—and how—to reassign large amounts of biofuel blending requirements that were recently waived. The decision, expected soon, could shape demand for billions of gallons of ethanol and biodiesel—critical markets for corn and soybean growers, but it could be an added burden for refiners responsible for blending the fuels into the nation’s supply.
- Lawmakers propose higher SNAP benefits, a potential lift for ag markets (Civil Eats): On Thursday, legislators from both Democratic chambers introduced the Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025, seeking to update SNAP’s benefit formula. The revised calculation method would put approximately an extra $20 per week in the pockets of a family of four (with two young kids), based on the USDA’s July 2025 data. The bill further targets increased support for households burdened by elevated medical or housing expenses. Representative Alma Adams (D-NC), who spearheads the initiative, criticized proposed cuts to SNAP, arguing they only deepen hunger amid surging costs. This proposal joins several Democratic efforts aiming to roll back benefit changes enacted under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which is projected to strip SNAP benefits from roughly 2.7 million individuals