b"Trade Promotion Whos Leaving or Facing a Tough Race in 2026?Funds export development for U.S. seed companies throughThe 2026 election cycle will reshape both chambers. Some MAP and FMDvital for global seed corn, vegetable andmajor voices in ag policy are stepping down or running in com-forage markets. petitive races. Lets break it down.Specialty Crops Senate Departures & Elections:Includes dedicated support for flower and vegetable seed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY): Not seeking reelection after development via the Specialty Crop Research Initiative andnearly 40 years in office, leaving a powerful leadership void. Block Grant Program.Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): Retiring, opening a competi-Biotech Oversight tive New England seatSets funding and priorities for modernizing biotech approvals and improving coordination between USDA, EPA and FDA. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL): Also retiring, leaving a powerful leadership voidBottom Line:The Farm Bill is more than a subsidy billits a roadmap for Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME): Running again in what could be how the U.S. invests in seed innovation, conservation anda key GOP seat to defendmarket access.The 2018 Farm Bill expired in 2023, and Congress passed a Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Lindseyone-year extension. Finalizing a new bill will require coordinationGraham (R-SC): All expected to run for reelectionfrom both chambersand could be delayed further if political turnover reshuffles committee leadership. U.S. House:All 435 House seatsincluding those of Chairman Thompson Whos at the Helm in 2025 and Ranking Member Craigwill be up for election.House Agriculture CommitteeThis committee drafts the House version of the Farm Bill andExecutive Branch Players to Knowdrives policy for rural development, conservation and agBrooke RollinsU.S. Secretary of Agriculture research. A former White House policy advisor, Rollins has made rural development, innovation and deregulation key parts of her Chairman: Ranking Member:Other Notables:agenda.Rep. GlennRep. Angie Reps. Frank Kailee Tkacz BullerUSDA Chief of Staff GT Thompson Craig (D-MN-02) Lucas (R-OK),With deep ties to the oilseed and food labeling sectors, (R-PA-15) Austin ScottBuller brings industry experience that could shape USDA's (R-GA), Rickstance on bioengineering, seed trade and sustainability Crawford (R-AR) metrics.The RFK Jr. FactorSenate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy The Senates counterpart committee wields broad influenceJr. oversees the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over food, biotech, and trade provisions in the Farm Bill. which reviews the safety of genetically engineered crops enter-ing the food system. While the USDA handles plant approvals Chairman:Ranking Member:Influential Voices:and the EPA manages environmental reviews, FDA decisionsSen. John Sen. Amy Sens. Joniaffect how quickly new biotech traits move into markets. Boozman (R-AR) Klobuchar (D-MN) Ernst (R-IA), RogerKennedy could push for stricter reviews of gene-edited crops, Marshall (R-KS) slow down approvals for new seed innovations or advocate for changes to biotech food labelingcreating regulatory delays for seed companies.8/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025"