Lawmakers from both parties voiced support for U.S. farmers during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing focused on expanding domestic agricultural production, as producers face rising costs and financial pressure.
At the hearing, titled “Increasing Domestic Production of U.S.-Grown Agricultural Products,” members heard testimony from agricultural trade group leaders on challenges facing the farm sector.
Republicans emphasized expanding domestic and export markets, reducing regulatory burdens and advancing policies such as biofuels and the Buy American Cotton Act to improve profitability.
Democrats focused on strengthening nutrition and specialty crop programs, making year-round E15 fuel sales permanent, addressing farm labor shortages and ensuring equitable distribution of federal aid.
Lawmakers from both parties also raised concerns about tariffs, global conflicts and consolidation in agriculture, as well as the need for labor reform and increased research investment.
The hearing underscored broad agreement that federal policy will play a key role in supporting long-term resilience in U.S. agriculture.
