Advancing America’s nut industry through bipartisan action
Key takeaways
- PTNPA praised House passage of the bipartisan 2026 Farm Bill.
- The association highlighted support for America’s food and agriculture sector.
- The nut industry contributes $148.25 billion annually to the U.S. economy.
- The industry generates $10.7 billion in exports and supports more than half a million jobs.
- The bill includes support for research, crop insurance and market expansion.
- A new Specialty Crop Advisory Committee is included in the legislation.
The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, also known as the Farm Bill, out of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“PTNPA applauds House Agriculture Committee Chairman Thompson for his leadership and commitment to America’s food and agriculture sector and his stewardship in overseeing the bipartisan passage of this Farm Bill,” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, PTNPA CEO. “The House Agriculture Committee hosted over 150 listening sessions throughout the nation and held an over 20-hour markup debate in order to produce a Farm Bill that truly fits the needs of the U.S. food and agriculture sector.
“PTNPA thanks the many bipartisan champions in the House of Representatives who introduced and supported the underlying bill text and amendments that strengthen and benefit the nut industry. This bipartisan legislation includes many provisions that are vital to the sustainability and success of America’s nut industry, and we thank the House of Representatives for its passage.
The U.S. food and agriculture sector generates more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity, accounting for nearly 20% of total U.S. output. Specifically, America’s nut industry contributes $148.25 billion to the economy annually, generates $10.7 billion in exports, and supports more than half a million jobs.
A strong, five-year Farm Bill is essential to keeping America’s nut industry thriving and growing. This bipartisan Farm Bill delivers real wins for the nut industry, a vital portion of America’s food and agriculture sector, including increased funding for expanded global markets, sustained funding for USDA ARS research facilities and programs, enhancements to crop insurance programs and establishing a new Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.
PTNPA is committed to working with Members of Congress to help secure legislative wins for America’s nut industry. We applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for the bipartisan passage of the 2026 Farm Bill and urge the U.S. Senate to swiftly take action on the bill.
FAQ
What is PTNPA?
The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association represents the nut processing industry and advocates on policy issues affecting the sector.
What is the 2026 Farm Bill?
The bipartisan Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is comprehensive agricultural legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
How much does the nut industry contribute to the U.S. economy?
According to PTNPA, the industry contributes $148.25 billion annually.
What export value does the nut industry generate?
The industry generates approximately $10.7 billion in exports.
What benefits does PTNPA highlight in the bill?
Expanded global markets, USDA ARS research funding, crop insurance enhancements and creation of a Specialty Crop Advisory Committee.
For more information on PTNPA’s advocacy work and the economic impact of the nut industry, visit ptnpa.org.