Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026

The Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act of 2026 aims to simplify how local farmers and ranchers participate in federal nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to create a single application form or a shared information system so that farmers approved for one program are automatically considered eligible for others. Additionally, the bill mandates the use of standardized mobile technology for processing payments and updates existing rules to ensure wireless and mobile equipment is available at farmers' markets. These changes directly affect direct marketing farmers and ranchers by reducing administrative burdens and improving the ease of accepting benefits at their stands.