Bill includes Riley’s provisions to block foreign purchases of US farmland, save lives by improving tractor safety, support family dairy farms, and more.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley announced a series of wins for Upstate New York farmers and rural communities after the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, sending the legislation to the full House of Representatives.
“Our farmers are the heart and soul of rural Upstate New York. They’re the very best of who we are. Up before dawn in the freezing cold to milk the cows. Out in the heat with the sun beating down to pick the apples. No excuses. No complaints. No days off. Nobody works harder. And they don’t ask for a hell of a lot in return, just a fair shot to make a decent living doing work that’s often been in the family for generations. This Farm Bill delivers on that promise, and I’m tremendously proud of what we were able to get done for Upstate farmers.” – Rep. Josh Riley
Riley represents 4,547 farms across nearly one million acres in Upstate New York, the vast majority family-owned operations that form the backbone of rural communities across the region.
During the committee’s markup of the Farm Bill, Riley secured a number of provisions focused on farm safety, supporting dairy and organic farmers, lowering costs, strengthening local food systems, and protecting American farmland.
KEY RILEY WINS FOR UPSTATE FARMS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES:
National ROPS Rebate Program (H.R. 6944 — adopted as amendment in Title 12)
Tractor rollovers are one of the leading causes of death in agriculture. This creates a USDA rebate program to help farmers retrofit tractors with rollover protection systems.
Modernizing the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (H.R. 1920 — included in the bill, Secs. 12301–12304)
Strengthens oversight of foreign purchases of American farmland and improves reporting requirements so policymakers know when foreign entities acquire U.S. agricultural land.
Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program + Yogurt Amendment (H.R. 2496 — included in the bill, Sec. 4305; amendment adopted)
Helps families afford healthy dairy products while supporting demand for dairy farmers. Riley secured an amendment to include yogurt, expanding markets for dairy producers.
Organic Integrity Reform (amendment adopted)
Protects the integrity of organic labeling while cutting unnecessary red tape for small organic farms.
Organic Dairy Data Collection Act (H.R. 4110 — included in the bill, Sec. 10104)
Improves USDA data collection on organic dairy production so farmers and cooperatives have better information about market conditions.
Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Program (H.R. 4782 — included in the bill, Sec. 4306)
Helps farmers sell more food locally by connecting farms with nearby buyers like schools, food banks, and community food programs.
LEAPS Act (H.R. 3979 — adopted via amendment)
Directs USDA to publish information on irrigation pumping upgrades that can lower electricity use and reduce energy costs for farmers.
You See It, You Squish It Act (H.R. 5614 — adopted via amendment)
Targets the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest threatening vineyards, orchards, and other crops across the Northeast.
ADDITIONAL RILEY PROVISIONS IN THE BILL:
| Bill (H.R. #) | Section in Farm Bill | Name | Description |
| H.R. 4657 | Sec. 5012 | Farm Ownership Loan Reform | Helps beginning farmers qualify for USDA loans to purchase farmland. |
| H.R. 3656 | Sec. 7305 | Specialty Crop Research Initiative Match Waiver | Helps apple growers and other specialty crop farmers access federal research funding. |
| H.R. 295 | Sec. 1006 | Processor Cost and Yield Reporting | Improves transparency in dairy markets by requiring processors to report cost and yield data. |
| H.R. 5037 | Sec. 6202 | Middle Mile Broadband Program | Builds broadband infrastructure needed to bring reliable internet to rural communities. |
| H.R. 3119 | Sec. 6201 | ReConnecting Rural America Act | Expands tools for bringing high-speed internet to rural communities. |
| H.R. 1951 | Sec. 6411 | Rural Cooperative Development Grants | Supports rural cooperatives and small businesses. |
| H.R. 1952 | Sec. 7105 | National Food and Agricultural Sciences Teaching, Extension, and Research Awards | Supports agricultural research and extension programs that help farmers adopt new practices and technologies. |
| H.R. 1417 | Sec. 6417 | Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program Act | Helps rural clinics and hospitals secure funding and expand services. |
| H.R. 1538 | Sec. 4202 | Delivering for Rural Seniors Act | Supports programs that improve services for seniors in rural communities. |
| H.R. 4296 | Sec. 2202 | EQIP Update for Greenhouse Gas Practices | Expands conservation practices eligible for higher payments through EQIP. |
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