IDFA Statement on House Agriculture Committee Passage of 2026 Farm Bill

IDFA Statement on House Agriculture Committee Passage of 2026 Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, March 5, 2026-The U.S. House Agriculture Committee today advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (Farm Bill), legislation that would expand dairy nutrition incentives in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and strengthen key dairy programs. During markup, the committee adopted an amendment sponsored by Reps. Tony Wied (R-WI) and Josh Riley (D-NY) to include yogurt and other cultured dairy products in the proposed Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects (DNIP), alongside milk and cheese.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement:

"IDFA applauds Chairman Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for advancing a Farm Bill that strengthens key dairy programs and expands SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. Building on the success of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program, Dairy Nutrition Incentive Projects will encourage SNAP participants to purchase more nutrient-dense dairy foods and help ensure federal nutrition programs support healthier food choices for families across the country. At a time when policymakers across the country are focused on improving Americans' health through nutrition programs, expanding access to wholesome dairy foods through SNAP is an important step forward. We are especially grateful to Representatives Tony Wied and Josh Riley for their leadership in adding yogurt and other cultured dairy products to the program, ensuring it reflects the full range of nutritious dairy foods families enjoy. Expanding these incentives will help more families access wholesome dairy products while supporting America's dairy farmers and processors.

"In addition to expanding dairy nutrition incentives, the bill includes several other priorities for the U.S. dairy industry, including permanent authorization of Mandatory Cost Surveys to ensure Federal Milk Marketing Order make allowances reflect current manufacturing costs, and permanent authorization of the Dairy Forward Pricing Program. IDFA encourages House and Senate leaders to continue advancing Farm Bill negotiations this year to strengthen dairy programs and broaden the reach and effectiveness of SNAP dairy nutrition incentives. We look forward to working with lawmakers and the Administration to move this bill forward."

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA's diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.