Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8424
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-12T16:14:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026 aims to simplify the process for direct marketing farmers and ranchers (those selling directly to consumers, like at farmers' markets) to become approved vendors in key federal nutrition programs. This encourages more local food options for program participants.
Key Provisions
- Streamlined Applications (Section 2):
- Applies to four "covered nutrition programs":
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, often called food stamps).
- Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (for low-income seniors to buy produce at markets).
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, including its farmers' market component).
- Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (incentivizes buying fruits/vegetables).
- USDA Secretary must create either:
- A single application usable across all programs, or
- An information-sharing system that automatically pre-qualifies approved farmers as vendors in other programs.
- USDA must submit a progress report to Congress within 1 year.
- Streamlined Benefit Processing (Section 2):
- Standardized technology (e.g., one piece of equipment or a mobile app) for farmers to process benefits from these programs.
- Equipment Support (Section 3):
- Updates SNAP rules to require wireless or mobile processing equipment for farmers' markets and direct-to-consumer sellers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 7(f)(2) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (SNAP statute) by adding a new requirement (subparagraph C) that equipment provided to certain markets must include wireless/mobile options suitable for farmers' markets and similar venues.
- No other major overhauls; focuses on administrative efficiencies rather than eligibility or funding changes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: USDA must develop and implement new systems/applications, potentially reducing administrative workload long-term but requiring upfront effort and a congressional report.
- Citizens: Nutrition program participants (e.g., low-income families, seniors, pregnant women) gain easier access to local, fresh foods from more vendors.
- Farmers/Ranchers: Faster approval and simpler tech could boost income from program sales without multiple applications.
- No direct international relations impact.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Direct marketing farmers and ranchers: Primary beneficiaries via easier vendor participation.
- USDA (Secretary of Agriculture): Responsible for implementation.
- Nutrition program recipients: SNAP, WIC, senior, and incentive program users.
- State agencies and partners: Handle program delivery and equipment.
- Congressional committees: Agriculture (House/Senate) oversee reporting.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward administrative mandate; relies on existing USDA authority over these programs. No new funding authorized, so implementation depends on current budgets.
- Constitutional: None significant; aligns with Congress's spending power over agriculture/nutrition.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction (Reps. Scholten and Valadao); supports local agriculture and food access, likely appealing to farm-state interests without controversy. Referred to Agriculture and Education/Workforce committees for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-21: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (5 pages)