End of shutdown means funding for USDA, potato industry programs

The end of the 43-day U.S. government shutdown allows for full funding of the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration through the end of fiscal year 2026 (Sept. 30).

A measure passed last week reopening the government ends disputes concerning SNAP benefits and extends several Farm Bill programs, such as the Conservation Reserve Program, that had previously expired. It also brings potato industry benefits, including federal funding and program provisions.

The legislation includes the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill, which contains two provisions sought by potato growers:

• Potato research funding: The bill maintains full funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s potato research programs. This sustained investment is critical for potato breeding projects across the country that address challenges affecting production, quality and yield.
• Potatoes in school breakfast: The measure maintains a provision allowing school food authorities to provide potatoes through the School Breakfast Program.

“We thank the leaders in Congress, especially Senator (Susan) Collins, for their work in championing this legislation that directly supports U.S. potato growers,” Dean Gibson, National Potato Council vice president of legislative affairs and a potato grower from Idaho, said in a statement.

“We now look forward to working with Congress and the administration to return attention on other industry priorities that will provide certainty and economic relief to growers, such as a new Farm Bill and new trade deals that will open new markets for our products.”

Growers are also hopeful that the end of the shutdown will enable negotiations for relief for U.S. growers to move forward. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has urged the inclusion of specialty crop aid in any economic relief for the U.S. agricultural industry.