February 05, 2026

More Groups Applaud 45Z Proposal

The National Corn Growers Association reacted positively to a Treasury Department proposal for a tax credit designed to help the biofuel industry sell into the aviation sector. “This proposal is a step in the right direction and will allow corn growers to transition into and supply the aviation sector,” said NCGA President Jed Bower. “Being able to get fuel into commercial planes with fuel derived from corn would be important to the long-term economic viability of farming.” While the credit has been available since January 2025, producers and farmers have struggled to capitalize on it with only minimal guidance. “The agency responded to many taxpayer concerns and resolved some uncertainties from the guidance issued a year ago,” said Kurt Kovarik, VP of Federal Affairs for Clean Fuels Alliance. “We anticipate this proposal will provide additional market certainty for biodiesel and renewable diesel producers.” 

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Fuel Retailers Express Concerns About 45Z Guidelines

Groups representing fuel retailers across America expressed serious concerns with the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit. The associations say that 45Z is a giant step backward for American biofuel policy. NATSO, representing truck stops and travel plazas, SIGMA, America’s leading fuel marketers, and the National Association of Convenience Stores are urging Congress and the Administration to support simpler biofuel policies that would quickly reinvigorate biodiesel consumption and higher ethanol blends while enhancing the economy and energy market security. “The transition away from the Biodiesel Tax Credit to the 45Z production credit instituted a catastrophic decline in biofuels consumption that hurts the economy,” said NACS Deputy General Counsel Matt Durand. “Congress can fix it by bringing back the Biodiesel Tax Credit, which has a proven track record of delivering lower prices to consumers while benefiting farmers and biofuel producers.” 

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NASDA Sets 2026 Policy Priorities 

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture set its five primary policy issues for focus in 2026. They include agricultural labor reform, animal disease preparedness and traceability, the farm bill, pesticide regulations, and regional food procurement and distribution. “As the non-partisan, member-led association representing state departments of agriculture, we sit at a unique intersection, where federal policy meets on-the-ground implementation, and where national priorities meet local realities,” said Amanda Beal, NASDA President. “These priorities are grounded in what works, what farmers need, and what states know.” NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said the group’s members have designated these priorities as critical to farmers, ranchers, and consumers nationwide. “They also represent key areas where state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to lead policy solutions and serve communities across their states,” he said. 

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USDA Expands Export Financing to Support Farmers

USDA is expanding financing options under the Export Credit Guarantee Program to help expand American agricultural exports. Under the new policy, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will offer an 18-month repayment option that allows buyers to pay the full loan amount at the end of the term instead of in installments. The new option will initially be available in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, all regions with strong potential for American export growth, and is expected to make U.S. financing more competitive and increase use of the Program. “This program provides credit guarantees to U.S. banks, and in some cases, to U.S. exporters to help finance foreign purchases of American food and agricultural products by approved foreign banks. While the program allows repayment terms of up to 18 months, this is the first time that borrowers will be able to repay the full amount in a single payment at the end of the 18-month term. 

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A New Way to Give Back on National Give FFA Day

The National FFA Organization is proud to announce a new way for people to support the next generation for this year’s Give FFA Day. It’s called ChapterBoost. The ChapterBoost program showcases local FFA chapters and their goals for hands-on learning, leadership development, and agricultural education, giving donors the opportunity to make an immediate impact by selecting a project to support directly through crowdfunding for an individual chapter. The annual Give FFA Day will be held on Thursday, February 26, during National FFA Week. “We’re setting our most ambitious goal yet to raise $1.75 million on Give FFA Day,” said Kimberly Coveney, senior manager of individual giving for the National FFA Foundation. “Every dollar donated helps open doors for our more than one million members by funding programs, leadership development, and experiences that prepare them for careers in agriculture and beyond.” 

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Farmers Fuel Your Super Bowl Spread

While Sunday’s big game will be the main focus for millions of people, what they eat during the game will be a close second. The NFL championship represents the second-highest day of food consumption, trailing only Thanksgiving. “As fans gather around their TVs on Sunday, it’s worth remembering that every bite reflects far more than what’s on the plate,” said a Market Intel report from the American Farm Bureau. Farmers grow corn for tortilla chips, potatoes for potato chips, and poultry for chicken wings. Dairy farmers help provide ingredients for pizza, queso (KAY-soh) dip, and charcuterie (shar-KOO-ter-ee) boards. “Farmers are proud to grow the food America’s families enjoy during their watch parties,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “There will only be one winner on Sunday, but everyone wins when we protect America’s food supply chain and ensure that farmers can stay in business until markets improve.” 

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