Government Affairs Insights on Floral

June 18, 2026

House Ag Committee Holds Hearing on USMCA Agricultural Perspectives

On June 10, members of the House Agriculture Committee met to hear testimony from different sectors of the agriculture industry on the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). They discussed a variety of topics including dairy, timber, specialty crops, soybeans, livestock, meat and poultry, and broader agricultural supply chains. Members from both parties generally agreed that USMCA provides important market access and trade certainty for farmers, ranchers, foresters, processors, and consumers. Republicans emphasized the need to maintain leverage and address unfair trade practices under USMCA, while Democrats criticized tariffs as a source of uncertainty and higher costs for producers and consumers. Witnesses urged Congress and the Administration to preserve USMCA’s duty-free framework while pursuing specific improvements related to dairy quota access, dispute settlement, labor enforcement, biotechnology, food safety, perishable commodities, and non-tariff barriers. Members also raised concerns about Mexico produce imports, Canada dairy commitments, timber and lumber disputes, and high fertilizer and input costs. Other topics discussed included the threat of New World Screwworm, livestock supply chains, and the need for certainty before the upcoming review.

USMCA discussions continue on and off the Hill ahead of the official trilateral joint review, which is expected to begin July 1. On June 16-17, the U.S. and Mexico held a second round of bilateral negotiations in Washington, D.C., focused on agriculture, including seasonality concerns and efforts to establish a level playing field. A third round is expected the week of July 20 in Mexico City. Overall, the negotiations are intended to ensure USMCA continues to benefit U.S. manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, workers, service suppliers, and businesses of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Formal negotiations between the U.S. and Canada have not begun, nor have trilateral discussions. More information regarding the USMCA joint review can be found here.

USDA Opens FY27 Trade Promotion Program Applications

On June 10, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Rollins announced that USDA is now accepting applications for Fiscal Year 2027 trade promotion programs, being administered through the Foreign Agricultural Service. These programs are designed to help agricultural producers expand access to international markets and attempt to limit trade barriers to current export opportunities. The funding opportunity includes the Market Access Program, Emerging Markets Program, Foreign Market Development Program, Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops, and Quality Samples Program. USDA noted that these programs have generated significant return on investment for agricultural exporters. On average, each federal dollar invested using trade promotion programs has helped generate $24.50 in return in export value since 1977. All program applications are due by 5:00pm EDT on August 14, 2026. FAS expects award selections to be announced later this fall, with approved activities to begin in FY27. See here for the application materials.

Secretary Rollins Testifies Before Both the House And Senate Ag Committees

On June 4, the House Committee on Agriculture met to hear testimony from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. In the House hearing, she discussed the actions of the Administration to address several challenges faced by American farmers, most notably the rising costs of fertilizer, diesel, and other inputs. She also addressed the recent domestic detection of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in South Texas and highlighting USDA's efforts to combat it. Members of both parties questioned the Secretary about the impact of the Iranian conflict on the American agriculture industry as well as the impact of the ongoing reorganization plan. Democratic members noted their concerns for families in need who no longer receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Republicans focused on reducing regulatory burdens, combating SNAP fraud, increasing domestic fertilizer production, and strengthening trade to benefit U.S. agriculture. On June 10, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry also held an USDA oversight hearing featuring Secretary Rollins. Similarly to the House, Republican and Democrat senators agreed on the importance of supporting American farmers, strengthening rural communities and combatting NWS. Members also expressed concern over rising fuel and fertilizer costs and their economic impact on farmers. Republicans focused on reducing input costs, expanding domestic markets, and advancing policies like the Buying American Cotton Act to boost agricultural competitiveness. Democrats questioned staffing cuts to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and other USDA agencies, as well as the impact the Trump Administration’s tariffs have had on farmers. Other topics discussed throughout both hearings included the USDA Office of Seafood Policy, the Food for Peace program, disaster assistance, foreign ownership of farmland, and the need for improved data collection and program oversight. You can watch a recording of the House Ag Committee’s hearing here, and the Senate’s hearing here.

Government Affairs Insights on Floral

Additional Press