A New Vision for American Agriculture
As Congress gears up to reauthorize the nation’s next Farm Bill, growing calls for a “Farm Bill 2.0” are gaining momentum. This emerging movement seeks to modernize the sweeping piece of legislation that governs everything from crop insurance and food assistance to conservation and rural development. Critics argue that the current Farm Bill, last passed in 2018, is outdated and overly focused on industrial-scale agriculture, neglecting small farmers, climate resilience, and nutritional equity.
Advocates of “Farm Bill 2.0” envision a more equitable and sustainable future for American agriculture. Key proposals include increased support for regenerative farming practices, expansion of local and regional food systems, and reallocation of subsidies to prioritize diverse, small-to-medium scale farms. There is also a growing demand to address racial inequities in land ownership and agricultural support systems, which have historically disadvantaged Black, Indigenous, and other minority farmers.
Climate change is another driving force behind the push for reform. Extreme weather events, prolonged droughts, and shifting growing seasons threaten the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture. Farm Bill 2.0 advocates argue that climate-smart policies—such as incentivizing carbon sequestration, supporting cover cropping, and investing in soil health—are not only urgent but economically strategic. These measures could help farmers adapt while reducing agriculture’s carbon footprint.
Yet, the path to Farm Bill 2.0 is far from certain. Powerful agribusiness interests and partisan divides in Congress could stall or dilute reform efforts. However, momentum is building across coalitions of farmers, environmentalists, public health advocates, and food justice organizations. With the current Farm Bill set to expire, the 2025 legislative window presents a critical opportunity to reshape U.S. agricultural policy for the 21st century.
