Bill · S. 4483· Senate(119-S-4483)
Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/11/2026
- Last activity
- 5/11/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Tina Smith
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The ``Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026'' directs the Secretary of Agriculture to simplify how farmers and ranchers become vendors for specific nutrition programs. It requires the creation of either a single application or an information-sharing system to streamline the approval process across multiple programs. Additionally, the bill mandates a streamlined process for vendors to process benefits using standardized technology like mobile applications. The legislation also amends existing law to ensure that equipment provided to certain entities includes wireless or mobile technology appropriate for farmers markets and direct-to-consumer markets.
Yes· 3 of 7
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill directly reduces the complexity of applying for and managing multiple nutrition program vendor statuses.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+5
The bill reduces administrative burdens on farmers and ranchers through streamlined application and benefit processing processes.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+2
Improving vendor access to the senior farmers' market nutrition program helps ensure easier access to food for seniors.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Easier Vendor Application Process: By requiring the Secretary to develop a single application or an information-sharing system, the bill aims to help direct marketing farmers and ranchers apply to multiple covered nutrition programs more easily (Section 2(b)(1)).
-
Improved Benefit Processing: The bill requires a streamlined process for vendors to handle benefits using standardized technology, such as mobile applications or a single piece of equipment (Section 2(c)).
-
Better Equipment for Markets: The bill ensures that equipment or systems provided to certain entities, specifically including farmers markets and direct-to-consumer markets, are appropriate and include wireless or mobile processing technology (Section 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly identified in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+5Good For Low Income Households+2Good For Seniors+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+2
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 7/13/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Elissa SlotkinDemocrat · Michigan