In a narrow 29–25 vote along party lines, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee advanced a sweeping budget bill on May 14 that would cut up to $300 billion from food aid programs, while allocating new funding for several farm safety net and conservation initiatives.
The legislation now moves to the House Budget Committee for further consideration before reaching the full chamber. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which supports more than 42 million Americans — is at the center of the proposed cuts. The bill would require states to cover a share of SNAP costs based on payment error rates, beginning in FY2028.
While the SNAP overhaul has sparked heated debate, pork producers and row crop farmers may find reassurance in the farm provisions, which include long-sought enhancements to farm bill programs.
Farm Bill Provisions That Impact Producers
According to reports from Agri-Pulse and Politico, the proposal includes:
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A 10% to 20% increase in Price Loss Coverage (PLC) reference prices
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Raising the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) guarantee to 90%
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Expansion of eligible base acres by 30 million acres
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Payment limit increase from $125,000 to $155,000, indexed to inflation
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Crop insurance support: Increasing Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) premium subsidies from 65% to 80%
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Conservation funding:
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EQIP rising from $2.66B (FY26) to $3.26B (FY31)
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CSP increasing from $1.3B (FY26) to $1.38B (FY31)
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These policy shifts offer potential upside to swine producers involved in grain production or crop insurance programs, as well as operations using EQIP and CSP for manure management, water quality, and sustainability practices.
SNAP Cuts Drive Political Divide
While Republicans champion the cost-sharing model as a path toward long-term reform, Democrats voiced concern over reductions in benefits and participation, especially for able-bodied adults without dependents. Amendments aimed at blocking or delaying the SNAP provisions were all rejected during markup.
Notably, the expected $300 billion in savings exceeds the $230 billion target, giving lawmakers room to include a $60 billion farm bill package, a key incentive for securing rural support.
What This Means for the Swine Sector
Although the SNAP provisions do not directly impact pork producers, the broader agriculture package could influence markets and farm income stability. Increased support for PLC and ARC programs and expanded conservation funding provide additional tools for managing risk and enhancing operational sustainability.
Producers are encouraged to monitor how this legislation evolves, as it could shape both consumer demand (via SNAP) and producer support systems for years to come.
