Broad Farm Bill draft unveiled (Agri-Pulse): House Agriculture Committee Republicans unveiled a draft that aims to address contentious policy areas left unresolved after last year’s legislation and update a range of agriculture, food aid and regulatory programs. The proposal, dubbed “Farm Bill 2.0” by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pa.), would shift the Food for Peace international food aid program permanently into USDA’s oversight, strengthen risk management tools for specialty crop producers, and raise funding for export-focused trade promotion initiatives. It also includes significant changes to pesticide labeling rules and higher loan limits for farmers, reflecting GOP lawmakers’ priority of bolstering U.S. agricultural competitiveness.
One of the most politically charged elements in the draft would nullify California’s Proposition 12 animal welfare standards for livestock raised outside the state, a move supported by some farm groups but sharply criticized by animal welfare advocates. The bill also touches on SNAP administrative reforms and would give the Agriculture and Health and Human Services departments the option to update national dietary guidelines on a 10-year cycle. Democrats on the committee have voiced strong objections, arguing the legislation fails to address key needs like stabilizing trade relationships, lowering input costs and protecting nutrition assistance, setting the stage for partisan debate as lawmakers prepare for markup later this month.
Civil Eats also reported what is in the current “skinny” Farm Bill.
U.S. agriculture continues farm loss trend, shedding 15,000 operations last year (Progressive Farmer): The number of farms saw another notable drop in 2025, continuing a multi-year consolidation of the sector, according to the latest USDA “Farms and Land in Farms” report. The data shows that about 15,000 farms disappeared last year, leaving roughly 1.9 million operations nationwide — a roughly 8 % decline since 2018. No state saw an increase in farm counts, and smaller operations bore the brunt of the losses, while only farms with annual sales above $1 million saw growth and expanded their acreage.
In addition to the shrinking number of operations, the report highlights ongoing shifts in farm structure: larger farms are gaining more land, and nearly half of all farms still generate less than $10,000 in annual sales, underscoring the prevalence of hobby or part-time operations. Total U.S. farmland also contracted, falling by about 2.5 million acres in 2025 alone, part of a longer decline tied to economic pressures, rising costs and consolidation. Analysts say the trend reflects widening disparities in the agricultural sector’s economic landscape, with smaller producers increasingly exiting or selling to larger enterprises amid persistent financial challenges.
U.S. and Taiwan seal trade agreement to slash tariffs (Ag Week): The United States and Taiwan have finalized a reciprocal trade deal aimed at lowering barriers and significantly increasing Taiwanese purchases of U.S. goods, in a move that could benefit American farmers and manufacturers. Under the agreement, the U.S. will maintain a 15 % tariff on Taiwanese imports — a level that aligns with other Asia-Pacific partners — while Taiwan has agreed to substantially reduce or eliminate tariffs on nearly all U.S. exports, including key agricultural products such as beef, dairy and corn. Some previously high tariffs, such as those on pork and ham, will be reduced to about 10 %, and many products will see tariff elimination altogether, immediately boosting U.S. access to the Taiwanese market.
The detailed pact, which builds on a preliminary January framework, also includes commitments for Taiwan to increase purchases of U.S. goods from 2025 through 2029 — spanning everything from liquefied natural gas and crude oil to aircraft, industrial equipment and power-grid hardware. In addition to trade terms, the agreement seeks to strengthen supply chains by having Taiwan accept U.S. standards for autos, pharmaceuticals and medical devices. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the deal will expand export opportunities for U.S. farmers and producers while enhancing economic ties between the two partners. Taiwan’s legislature must still approve the accord as debate continues amid broader global trade dynamics.