With Minnesota’s primary just days away, politicians have descended on Farmfest in Southern Minnesota, using the annual trade show to connect with producers and address the path forward for federal farm policy. Among those speaking on the future of the farm bill were House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (D-MN) and House Agriculture Committee Vice Chairman Austin Scott (R-GA).
Craig, who is currently seeking the open Senate seat vacated by Amy Klobuchar while navigating a competitive primary challenge from progressive Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, addressed the upcoming Senate Agriculture Committee action. While expressing optimism about getting a farm bill completed this year, Craig noted both encouraging components and points of concern within the Senate framework.
Craig praised the inclusion of a one-year delay in cost shifts to states under the nutrition title, though she highlighted issues with how error-rate baselines are calculated. “It’s a little challenging because they actually set the rate based on fiscal year 2026,” Craig said. “I’d love for that to get shifted out just to give states more time to reduce their error rates. So I think that’s something that the senators on our side of the aisle are going to be pushing for.”
Craig also voiced strong support for the inclusion of year-round E15 provisions, an issue she discussed directly with Minnesota corn growers attending Farmfest. “I’m going to be dogging that all the way through the finish line,” Craig noted, adding that year-round E15 remains a vital priority for Minnesota producers.
Scott, who is in Minnesota campaigning on behalf of state Republican candidates, offered a frank assessment regarding the legislative timeline. Scott indicated that the heightened political atmosphere of primary season and tight congressional margins make near-term passage difficult.
“I’m hopeful that we’re able to get it done sooner rather than later,” Scott said. “My gut is that it gets pushed past the election… my gut is it gets done before the end of the year.”
Scott emphasized that the final outcome hinges heavily on which party secures power following the elections. He warned that if Democrats were to maintain control, leadership could halt the current legislation until the new Congress convenes. However, Scott expressed confidence that Republicans will hold majorities in both chambers, enabling them to push the farm bill over the finish line.
