Policy Updates
“ARA supports transparency in fertilizer markets, but Congress should first allow the USDA to complete the comprehensive market study outlined in Section 12302 before creating a permanent federal reporting program,” said Daren Coppock, ARA President and CEO.
Hunter Carpenter offers insight into the policy and regulatory issues dominating the conversation in Washington.
The question facing U.S. agriculture is whether current farm aid is a bridge through temporary hardship — or a pier toward more structural government support.
Researchers estimate a glyphosate ban could cost Illinois corn and soybean growers $300 million to $609 million a year.
New state restrictions and a proposed AFIDA overhaul could reshape land deals, reporting, and due diligence for farmers.
Luke Lindberg points to stronger export sales, reduced trade barriers and expanded opportunities in markets including Ghana, Australia and Vietnam.
SAWA contains several reforms long supported by ARA, including streamlining the H-2A application process, providing greater flexibility for year-round agricultural employment, improving worker portability, and modernizing wage requirements.
The goal is to increase domestic fertilizer supply and strengthen the supply chain.
In late June, the agency revised its technical guidelines for biofuel feedstocks related to the 45z tax credit.
“We appreciate the EPA completing its science-based reviews of new pesticides and advancing their registrations,” said Richard Gupton, ARA SVP of Public Policy & Counsel.
The new order aims to scale regenerative practices and speed up EPA pesticide approvals, but ag retailers worry the MAHA influence could bring unnecessary redundancy to chemical regulations.
Sen. Boozman’s Farm Bill 2.0 bolsters farm safety nets and updates conservation programs, but notably excludes Prop 12, E15 and pesticide labeling.
“Chairman Boozman’s release of the Senate Farm Bill text demonstrates a serious commitment to getting this critical legislation across the finish line,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
In the ongoing restructuring, Deputy Secretary Vaden explains how the agency will retain institutional knowledge while relocating operations to rural America.
The central foundation for those against the merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern is if the new entity would in fact enhance competition.
ARA’s Hunter Carpenter breaks down the House-passed Farm Bill—and the critical pesticide labeling and permit reforms that got left behind. From the breakthrough on year-round E15 sales to the high-stakes battle over rail mergers, find out how these decisions impact your bottom line and license to operate.
“This is a victory for rural America,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.
A first-ever focused vote on E15 has eyes on The Hill. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “There’s mounting pressure to get something done and take action.”
In this OpEd, Daren Coppock, president and CEO of the Agricultural Retailers Associations says “preserving uniform federal labeling protects everyone who depends on the food system—and that means all of us.”
“When farmers struggle, independent ag retailers like our business feel it immediately,” Mike Twining shared.
“America’s agricultural retailers and growers continue to face high fuel costs and tight margins,” said ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock. “This commonsense relief will help them stay productive and profitable at a critical time of year.”
ARA took its priorities to Capitol Hill to push for a Farm Bill finish line and fixes that affect retailers’ day-to-day operations—especially transportation rules, trade uncertainty, and biofuels policy.
“ARA’s 2026 policy priorities are built to safeguard the tools, technologies, and regulatory certainty that agricultural retailers and their farmer customers rely on every single day,” said Richard Gupton, ARA’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy.
“Chairman Crapo’s leadership, including his work to extend critical Farm Bill provisions, provided much-needed stability and continuity for farmers and the broader agricultural supply chain,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.
Ambassador Julie Callahan outlines a transactional approach to global trade, targeting market access and regulatory reform
ARA points to the legislation’s provisions for farm safety net and risk management tools, conservation and research, and trade and rural development.
“ARA commends Chairman G.T. Thompson for his leadership in advancing the 2026 Farm Bill and for his commitment to providing long term certainty for America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural supply chain partners,” said ARA President & CEO, Daren Coppock.
With the boxing legend declaring “processed food kills” and federal leaders pledging to redirect billions in nutrition dollars, the rollout delivered a forceful message in favor of fresh produce and whole proteins.