March 31, 2026

Contents

• What We’re Watching
• Notable News
• This Week’s Legislation
• Upcoming Hearings
• Contact the Team

What We’re Watching

Congress 

Appropriations

Congress has recessed this week ahead of the Easter and Passover holidays but still have not yet come to an agreement on funding for the Homeland Security appropriations bill, despite an effort last week to move a compromise funding bill. While the negotiations have largely focused on funding for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), the shutdown is having effects on other agencies like FEMA, any agency that manages disaster programs and for the TSA who oversees security in airports. Although for TSA, the President issued a memorandum allowing TSA agents to be paid, but it is unclear where this money is coming from and how long the funding source will last. Congress is scheduled to return on April 13, though that may change if the DHS funding discussions progress and votes are required for potential passage of that funding bill. As the delay continues on the Homeland Security bill, it is anticipated to slow down other legislative business, such as potential floor time for the Farm Bill. There are also reports about a second reconciliation package or supplemental package that could address other priorities, like the war in Iran, voting rights, and changes to the tax structure.

The President’s Budget proposal is also expected to be released this week, outlining priorities for overall government spending levels for agencies. Congressional justifications, which contain additional details related to agency spending may be released later in the coming weeks. Notably, appropriators do not strictly follow the budget request, but it does provide some guidance on administration priorities for the year ahead. 

Fertilizer Transparency Act

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and a bipartisan group of House members, introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to collect and publish data on fertilizer prices from manufacturers on a weekly basis, instead of the current annual voluntary survey on the prices producers pay for inputs. In addition, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) sent a letter to the Department of Justice and fertilizer companies regarding concerns with high fertilizer prices and posed a series of questions to be answered by March 27. 

Administration

White House Hosts Agriculture Event

On Friday, the White House hosted an event promoting American agriculture and this administration’s achievements. President Trump made remarks about promising financial relief for farmers and ranchers, and unveiled a webpage on the White House website listing achievements throughout this administration, including provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, trade deals, E15 and biofuels, and the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.  

In addition, the long-awaited Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” final rule, which establishes increased renewable fuel volume blending obligations, was announced. Additionally, EPA announced a 70% partial reallocation of the 2023–2025 exempted Renewable Volume Obligation for the 2026 and 2027 compliance years, and delayed to 2028 changes that would have required foreign fuels and feedstocks to receive half the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits as American-made products. Notably, the increases to renewable fuel volume blending obligations were significant and applauded by both corn and soybean grower organizations. 

E15 Temporary Nationwide Waiver

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) announced a temporary emergency fuel waiver, which will allow nationwide sales of E15 from May 1, 2026, to May 20, 2026. The general sentiment of stakeholders is that while the flexibility is appreciated, the waiver does not go far enough, and Congress must act quickly to secure a permanent solution for year-round sales of E15. A waiver of this nature has been granted in years past.  

Treasury Department Suspends Sanctions on Belarus Potash

The Treasury Department announced the issuance of  Belarus General License 14, “Authorizing Transactions Involving Belarussian Bank of Development and Reconstruction Belinvestbank Joint Stock Company and Certain Additional Entities.” The announcement, in connection with the US State Department, determined that circumstances no longer warrant the prohibitions originally imposed on Belarus companies that produce potash due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. 

USDA Announces Voluntary Product of the USA Label

Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign for the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard which went into effect on January 1, 2026. The label can be used on packaging of meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. Of note, the claim is voluntary and companies must be able to verify the claim in order to use it.   

SBA Announces Grocery Guarantee to Address Affordability

The Small Business Administration (SBA) will be allowing small businesses in the food supply chain to be eligible for an enhanced “Grocery Guarantee” through the International Trade Loan program. The loans will have a 90% federal guarantee and will be used to expand food production and supply to lower costs for consumers. The full list of eligibility under NAICS codes can be found in the announcement here.  

Notable News

• A brewing farm crisis? Farmers pushed to breaking point amid volatility, capital constraints – Ag Tech Navigator
• What Would a U.S. Win in Iran Look Like? We Asked Over Two Dozen Members of Congress – TIME
• Half of Americans Struggle to Afford Food, Changing How They Shop and Dine – Lending Tree
• Huub Lelieveld Awarded 2026 World Food Prize for Global Food Safety Leadership – Food Safety Magazine
• FDA to Propose New Infant Formula Nutrients Rule This Year – Bloomberg
• China’s role in U.S. ag exports is changing long-term – Brownfield Ag News
• Future Food Processing: How transparency, sustainability & personalization drive industry innovation – Food Ingredients First
• This conservation practice boosts wildlife species on farmland, new research finds – Wisconsin Public Radio

This Week’s Legislation

• Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act, to require USDA to establish a mandatory reporting program for fertilizer prices and quantities sold in the United States. A bipartisan companion bill has also been introduced in the Senate by John Thune (R-SD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
• Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Assisting Family Farmers through Insurance Reform Measures (AFFIRM) Act to limit federal crop insurance subsidies and cap government payments to insurers for administrative and operating costs. 
• Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s recent rule regarding Adverse Effect Wage Rates for H-2A workers. 
• Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Rick Scott (R-FL), and Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced the Land Grant Research Prioritization Act of 2026 to improve research and development of advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanization technology.
• Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act to help American agriculture and communities become more resilient to drought and flooding.
• Reps. Mark Alford (R-MO), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Adrian Smith (R-NE) introduced a resolution to designate March 24, 2026, as National Agriculture Day and recognizing the importance of agriculture as one of the most impactful industries in the United States.

Upcoming Hearings

There are no hearings this week due to recess. 

Contact the Team

Feel free to contact Michael Torrey, Tara Smith, Cassandra Kuball, Barbara Patterson, Katie Naessens, Julie McClure, Nona McCoy, Danielle Nelson, Ashley Smith, Olivia Lucanie, Caroline Sowinski, Eden Lambert, Tracy Boyle, or Grace Walker with any questions or comments.

Food and agricultural organizations that need the right results in Washington, D.C. can trust Torrey Advisory Group to put its relationships, reputation, and expertise to work on your issue. Since 2005, the firm has successfully provided legislative and regulatory guidance, issues management, and association management services to a wide variety of clients. Learn more about us at torreydc.com.