b'Whos Shaping Seed PolicyAnd How the 2026 Elections Could Shift EverythingThe Farm Bill, biotech rules, and seed trade policy are all in the hands of key lawmakerssome of whom wont be back after 2026. Heres whos making decisions now, whos leaving, and how to get involved before the next Farm Bill vote.By Aimee Nielson, Seed World U.S. EditorIN THE SEED INDUSTRY,what happens in WashingtonThe Farm Bill: Why It Matters for Seedsdoesnt stay in Washingtonit directly impacts your labs,The Farm Bill is passed every five years and shapes how billions boardrooms, fields and your bottom line. Whether its regulatoryof dollars are spent on agriculture. While best known for food clarity on gene editing or support for public breeding programs,assistance and commodity programs, it directly impacts the policy decisions ripple through the entire value chain. seed sector in key ways:And this year, the stakes are especially high. With the Farm Bill still on hold and several key players preparing for retirementResearch Fundingor reelection battles, the next 18 months could reshape ag policySupports plant breeding, genetics and biotech innovation for a decade. through NIFA, ARS and FFARfueling public-private break-Heres your guide to the policymakers influencing the seedthroughs in trait development and crop resilience.sector right nowand why 2026 could mark a major turning point. Conservation ProgramsIncentivizes the use of cover crops, pollinator species and forage seed through EQIP, CSP and RCPPcreating demand for diverse seed types and regional mixes.6/ SEEDWORLD.COMJUNE 2025'