WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a significant step for American agriculture, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 early Thursday morning. The bipartisan 34-17 vote included the support of U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02), who secured several provisions specifically targeting the needs of Southern Ohio’s rural and Appalachian communities.
The five-year legislation, often referred to as the “Farm Bill,” serves as the primary tool for federal agriculture and nutrition policy.
Protecting Ohio Farmland from Solar Conversion
A central win for Taylor in the committee was the inclusion of his Protecting American Farmland Act. The provision addresses growing concerns among Ohio farmers regarding the conversion of highly productive soil into energy facilities.
“This bill will build on the historic benefits… and end the takeover of prime farmland by solar panels,” Taylor said during the markup. The act specifically prohibits USDA funds from being used to incentivize ground-mounted solar projects on “prime farmland,” ensuring that the region’s best soil remains in agricultural production.
Investing in Appalachian Infrastructure
Beyond the fields, Taylor successfully integrated three additional legislative priorities aimed at improving the quality of life for residents in the 2nd District:
- Rural Broadband Assistance Act: Designed to help small, underserved Appalachian towns gain access to high-speed internet, which Taylor has previously described as a “necessity, not a luxury” for the modern economy.
- Water Infrastructure Assistance Reauthorization Act: Provides federal funding to help rural towns modernize aging water and wastewater systems.
- Rural Wellness Act: Directs resources toward mental health and substance abuse services specifically tailored for rural areas.
A Bipartisan Path Forward
The 2026 Farm Bill arrives after a series of short-term extensions and nearly 20 hours of committee debate. The final vote saw seven Democrats join all committee Republicans in favor of the package.
Taylor noted that the bill builds upon the Working Families Tax Cuts signed into law last summer, which made permanent key agriculture deductions—including the “Death Tax” exemption—and lowered crop insurance costs for producers.
“I was proud to express my continued support for the men and women who not only feed Buckeye families, but the world,” Taylor stated.
The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. If passed and signed into law, it will replace the 2018 Farm Bill, which is currently set to expire in September 2026.
