WASHINGTON, D.C. – Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish released the following statement after the Senate Agriculture Committee passed the Agriculture Act of 2026 out of committee on Sept. 16.

“I’m pleased to see the farm bill move forward from the Senate Agriculture Committee,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish. “The bill is a good starting point for discussion on the Senate floor; however, it doesn’t address many of the financial realities facing family farmers. We need a bill that addresses the chaos created by the tariffs and creates new markets for farmers, including through year-round E15. We need a bill that invests in domestic fertilizer production to counter the high cost of diesel and fertilizer stemming from the war in Iran. We need a bill that supports beef producers by enacting country of origin labeling. We need a bill that supports farmers and rural communities with local food purchasing support, and we need a bill that drives investment in rural communities through rural economic development.

“I thank lawmakers for their work on the farm bill and look forward to working with our congressional delegation as this bill moves forward.”

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture,
Working for Farmers