FLA Applauds House Passage of the 2026 Farm Bill
Urges Senate to Strengthen Forest Markets Through RFS Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the 2026 Farm Bill today, a critical step toward delivering certainty for rural America and the producers who sustain it.
Private forest landowners are a cornerstone of the nation’s Food, Fuel, Fiber, and Housing economy—growing the raw materials that build homes, power renewable energy, and support millions of rural jobs. Like farmers and ranchers, forest landowners depend on stable policy, open markets, and the ability to recover quickly from natural disasters.
“The House’s passage of the Farm Bill is an important step forward for rural America,” said Scott Jones, FLA CEO. “Forest landowners are farmers—and this legislation recognizes the essential role working forests play in supporting our nation’s economy, environment, and communities.”
FLA emphasized that as the Senate takes up the Farm Bill, there is a clear opportunity to strengthen alignment across agriculture and forestry by improving market access—particularly through updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
Current RFS policy relies on an outdated definition of renewable biomass that fails to fully recognize the role of sustainably managed working forests. As a result, forest landowners are often excluded from energy markets that their agricultural counterparts can access.
“Including woody biomass in the Renewable Fuel Standard is a commonsense, bipartisan solution that strengthens rural economies and expands domestic energy production,” said Craig Anderson, FLA’s VP of Government Affairs. “Forestry must be part of the conversation when we talk about America’s energy future.”
Expanding eligibility for woody biomass would create new demand for low-value wood, support forest management, and reinforce the infrastructure that rural communities depend on. Strong markets are essential not only for economic viability, but also for keeping forests as forests—reducing conversion pressures and ensuring long-term natural resource security.
“Forestry and agriculture are partners in delivering the resources Americans rely on every day,” Jones added. “The Senate has an opportunity to build on the House’s momentum by ensuring forest landowners have equal access to the markets and policies that support the broader agricultural community.”
As policymakers work to finalize the Farm Bill, FLA stands ready to serve as a resource and partner—bringing the voice of private forest landowners to the forefront of national conversations shaping rural America.
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