WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Farm Bill passed out of committee with bipartisan support and cleared the House floor by a bipartisan vote of 224-200 — marking the first time the House has passed a full five-year Farm Bill since 2018.

“Getting a full five-year Farm Bill passed in the House for the first time since 2018 is a major win for agriculture and for North Dakota,” Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, R-ND, said. “Our producers need certainty, not short-term extensions, and this bill delivers. It strengthens the farm safety net, locks in key improvements we’ve fought for, and gives farmers and ranchers the tools they need to manage risk, invest in their operations, and plan for the future. I was proud to help get this across the finish line.”

According to a news release from Fedorchak, the bill builds on key improvements secured in last year’s Working Families Tax Cuts by locking in higher reference prices and strengthening crop insurance–core tools producers rely on to manage risk in an uncertain environment. The legislation also reinforces voluntary, locally led conservation efforts and working lands program, and strengthens tools that help producers access financing amid rising borrowing costs. These were both top priorities for rural communities across North Dakota.

Fedorchak secured passage of her amendment directing the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of providing storage facility loans to producers for on-farm fertilizer storage. The proposal was inspired by a North Dakota farmer who shared the idea directly with Fedorchak during a meeting in her Washington, D.C. office.

“This is exactly how representative government should work,” Fedorchak added. “A North Dakota producer brought forward a practical idea to improve operations and manage input costs, and now it’s included in the Farm Bill. Giving farmers more flexibility to store fertilizer when prices are low can make a real difference on the bottom line.”

Fedorchak took part in advocating for year-round access to E15. While that provision was not included in the final package, she joined fellow agriculture-state members in negotiating a deal with Speaker Mike Johnson to secure a standalone vote on the legislation she helped craft on May 13.

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue released a statement on Thursday’s passage of the Farm Bill legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The House farm bill’s passage is an important step toward completing the process after three years of delays. The bill updates farm loan programs and reauthorizes programs that support voluntary conservation, rural development and farmer mental health. It is not a perfect bill, but these provisions will benefit family farmers and ranchers and rural communities.

“However, we are deeply disappointed that the House again missed an opportunity to authorize permanent year-round E15. Family farmers need strong, stable domestic demand. We have waited long enough. It’s time to get it done.

“Family farmers and ranchers are facing a mounting crisis. We must do more to address skyrocketing fertilizer costs and extreme market volatility. We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the farm bill, address corporate consolidation and provide meaningful relief to producers.”