Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation President, Talks Farm Policy at Commodity Classic 2026
From Hoosier Act Today
Zippy Duvall•President, American Farm Bureau Federation
Executive Summary
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is strongly advocating for the passage of a new, modernized Farm Bill, urging members to lobby lawmakers to provide economic certainty for rural America.
Key legislative priorities for the AFBF include a federal solution to California's Proposition 12, which it views as a threat to interstate commerce, and the permanent authorization of year-round E15 sales to boost domestic demand.
Agricultural labor reform is identified as a critical challenge, with the AFBF supporting a forthcoming bill from the House Agriculture Committee to address the undocumented workforce, labor costs, and year-round needs.
Following a Supreme Court ruling on tariffs, the AFBF is concerned about rising input costs and is lobbying the administration to maintain exemptions for agricultural products while pursuing new trade deals.
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Concerns Raised
The current "terrible farm economy" is putting significant pressure on producers.
Legislative inaction on the Farm Bill creates uncertainty for farmers and ranchers.
California's Prop 12 sets a dangerous precedent for interstate commerce.
A lack of comprehensive agricultural labor reform threatens farm viability.
Recent tariff rulings could significantly increase the cost of farm inputs like fertilizer and equipment.
Opportunities Identified
Passing a new, modernized Farm Bill to improve risk management tools.
Securing permanent year-round sales of E15 to increase domestic corn demand.
Enacting meaningful agricultural labor reform to solve a critical operational challenge.
Developing new markets for agricultural products through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Negotiating new trade deals to expand export opportunities for American agriculture.