Alexandria, VA, May 4, 2026 – The North American Renderers Association (NARA) applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, a comprehensive piece of legislation that strengthens U.S. agriculture and expands global market opportunities. NARA also commends Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson and the House Agriculture Committee for their leadership in advancing this important legislation.
Notably, the House-passed bill marks the first time the rendering industry has been formally included in a Farm Bill, recognizing its essential role in sustainability, agriculture, and the circular economy. Rendering plays a critical part in reducing food waste, supporting livestock and poultry production, and producing safe, high-quality feed ingredients.
“This is a significant step forward for our industry and for agriculture as a whole,” said Kent Swisher, NARA President and CEO. “Recognition of rendering in the Farm Bill reflects a broader understanding of how vital our industry is to a sustainable and efficient food system.”
Of particular importance to the rendering industry, the bill includes key provisions supporting sustainability, workforce development, and trade continuity. Food waste provisions require the USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison to submit an annual report to Congress detailing actions taken to avoid or manage market disruption, along with coordination with the Environmental Protection Agency. Rendering activities are also included in a new meat processing grant program under the Butcher Block Act and explicitly recognized within the AFRI workforce training program, creating new opportunities for industry engagement and workforce development. In addition, provisions of the SAFE Act codify USDA authority to negotiate regionalization agreements, helping ensure export continuity during animal health events.
The legislation also includes a proposed expansion of U.S. agricultural trade promotion programs, including doubling funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) Program, while integrating the Supplemental Agricultural Trade Promotion Program into these existing programs to strengthen USDA’s export development framework and enhance global competitiveness for U.S. industries.
“The expansion of MAP and FMD and inclusion of key provisions supporting food waste reduction, workforce development, and trade are major wins for U.S. agriculture and the rendering industry,” Swisher said. “These policies strengthen our ability to grow global markets, support sustainable practices, and ensure the long-term success of our industry.”
NARA looks forward to supporting the advancement of the Farm Bill as it continues through the legislative process toward final passage.
