MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) welcomed the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry’s 12-11 vote Wednesday to advance the 2026 Farm Bill, following the committee’s failure to advance the legislation in August.

“Dairy businesses depend on a strong Farm Bill that supports innovation, expands market opportunities, strengthens risk management, and helps our industry remain competitive in an ever-changing global marketplace,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy. “We appreciate the committee’s action to move this important legislation forward and encourage lawmakers to continue working together to deliver a comprehensive Farm Bill.”

The Senate committee’s proposal includes several priorities championed by WCMA and the broader dairy industry, including:

  • $36 million in annual authorization for the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII), strengthening a program that has helped small and mid-sized dairy businesses innovate, expand production, and reach new markets.
  • Permanent authorization for Mandatory Dairy Cost Surveys and the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, providing important tools and data for the dairy industry.
  • Expanded dairy nutrition incentives to include cheese, yogurt, and cultured dairy products, helping increase access to and consumption of nutritious dairy foods.
  • Codification of the term “natural cheese” to provide greater clarity in the marketplace.
  • Increased investments in export promotion, including the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program.
  • Protections for common food names in trade agreements, supporting the ability of U.S. dairy businesses to market their products around the world.

“The committee’s bill contains meaningful investments in the future of dairy – from innovation and nutrition to exports and risk management,” Sweeney said. “These provisions can create new opportunities for dairy farmers and processors while strengthening rural economies.”

WCMA also recognizes the ongoing discussion surrounding changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) included a one-year delay to proposed requirements that could shift certain SNAP administrative costs to states, an effort to address concerns raised by committee Democrats. 

“Dairy processors care deeply about ensuring families have access to nutritious foods, and we recognize the importance of getting SNAP policy right,” Sweeney said. “We encourage continued bipartisan work to find a path forward that supports strong nutrition programs while advancing the important agriculture and dairy priorities contained in this legislation.”

The Farm Bill now moves to the full U.S. Senate, where it will face additional consideration. The current Farm Bill extension expires September 30.

“Today’s vote is an important step, but there is more work ahead,” Sweeney said. “WCMA will continue working with members of Congress and our industry partners to advance a Farm Bill that strengthens dairy businesses, supports rural communities, expands access to nutritious dairy foods, and keeps U.S. agriculture competitive around the world.”