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News Brief

June 24, 2025 |  By: Chrystal Blair - Public News Service

"The Big Beautiful Bill" may have concerning implications for small farmers

Farmland

Photo by Frances Gunn on Unsplash

The Senate's reconciliation bill, known as "The Big Beautiful Bill," as well as the House's 2026 Spending Plan appear to have concerning implications for small farmers.

According to Policy Director at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, Mike Lavender, the bills cut funding for a number of programs related to agricultural, ranging from Food Stamps to research.

"These cuts, even to relatively small programs, are going to mean that fewer farmers have access to resources and information that help them have a successful livelihood, help their business work and help them be successful in providing for their family," he said.

Supporters say the cuts promote responsible budgeting and boost efficiency. The Senate's agriculture bill awaits full debate, while the House's 2026 funding bill has cleared committee.

As an advocate for sustainable agriculture, Lavender has a message for lawmakers:

Lavender says, "Don't undercut farmers, don't undercut rural communities by reducing funding for these programs," he said, "but rather they deliver funding for these programs based on demand, and we know there's a high demand and a high need for these programs across the country."

Lavender added that the 2026 spending bill has "one bright spot" in its support for direct purchases from local producers, something he hopes to keep in the legislation. Missouri has some of the most farms of any state, and nearly 90 percent are family owned.