FLA Backs Key Forestry Priorities in 2026 Farm Bill
Washington, D.C. — The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) expressed strong support for the forestry provisions included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the “Farm Bill”, highlighting the legislation’s role in strengthening the long-term health, productivity, and resilience of America’s private working forests.
“The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 includes important provisions that help keep America’s working forests healthy, productive, and resilient,” said Scott Jones, FLA CEO. “This legislation recognizes the essential role timber producers and family forestry businesses play in sustaining rural economies, supporting wildlife habitat, protecting clean water, and providing a reliable domestic wood supply.”
FLA represents timber producers and family forestry businesses across the United States who manage more than 55 million acres of private working forests. These landowners depend on effective federal policies and strong markets to ensure forests remain forests for future generations.
Among the bill’s key forestry priorities are improvements to the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, which provides critical recovery assistance following natural disasters. The program serves as a lifeline for timber producers and family forestry businesses working to recover and replant after storms, wildfires, and other catastrophic events.
The legislation also reauthorizes and modernizes Wood Innovation Grants, supporting market‑driven solutions that expand demand for wood products and foster new and emerging markets.
Another key provision is to strengthen national wildfire resilience by investing in hazardous‑fuel reduction, cross‑boundary mitigation, and restoration capacity—areas where FLA has long advocated for more resources and streamlined tools, including through several hazardous‑fuel reduction grants secured for members.
“With natural disasters intensifying and economic pressures mounting, certainty and strong markets are more important than ever,” Jones said. “This legislation helps ensure timber producers and family forestry businesses have the tools and stability they need to continue managing and investing in America’s working forests.”
FLA commends congressional leadership for advancing policies that support active forest management and urges swift final passage of the legislation.
About the Forest Landowners Association
The Forest Landowners Association is the national voice for private forest landowners, representing timber producers and family forestry businesses across the country. FLA advocates for policies that support disaster recovery tools, market opportunities, private property rights, and tax certainty that help keep working forests as forests.
Why This Matters to FLA Members:
The 2026 Farm Bill provides the opportunity for major policy wins FLA has championed for years, like:
- Improving disaster recovery tools
- Expanding wood innovation markets
- Strengthening national wildfire resilience
While the Farm Bill is still in its early stages, and changes are anticipated, FLA will continue to push for provisions that support America’s family forestry business and timber producers.