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2026 Legislative Update

17 Mar 2026 Legislative Update

Posted at 10:11h in Food by

The 2026 short legislative sessions in Oregon and Washington brought several important decisions affecting farms, food access programs, and farmland protection across our region. 

OREGON: 

HB 4153, the Farm Store Bill, passed.  The bill keeps the existing farm stand statute in place but adds a new farm store permit. Gorge Grown is concerned that this new permit removes the expectation that these operations primarily sell agricultural products, opening the door for uses that function more like event venues or roadside attractions than working farms. The bill also appears to favor larger-acreage operations, allows significant incidental sales and event-related revenue, and adds permitting burdens for farmers hosting activities like farm tours, classes, seasonal events, and farm-to-table meals. Gorge Grown supports farm stands and agritourism within reason, with guardrails that protect farmland and soil for the long term. Community members who wish to share their perspective can contact Governor Tina Kotek who still has the ability to sign or veto the bill. 

SB 1586 did not pass. Gorge Grown opposed the bill because it would have converted prime farmland to industrial development in Hillsboro, setting a dangerous statewide precedent for farmland loss.

 

Several funding decisions also affect farms and food access:

  • Oregon State University and Extension funding: No cuts were made in the final budget despite earlier proposals for 7% reductions which could have impacted our local extension services.
  • ODA Farm to School Producer Equipment & Infrastructure Grants: Funding remains intact with $500,000 available to support farmers selling to schools.
  • Oregon Agricultural Heritage Program: Funding continues to support farmland conservation easements.
  • School Meals for All: The bill did not advance out of committee this session. It would have provided free lunch and breakfast for all students and Oregon.

 

Food access funding saw mixed outcomes:

  • $111 million was approved to sustain Oregon’s SNAP program, supporting food access statewide. Gorge Grown distributes over $160,000 in SNAP benefits annually which goes directly to local farmers while supporting economically disadvantaged residents.
  • $2 million was allocated for refugee and asylee food assistance programs.
  • A $5 million request for the Oregon Emergency Food Network was not funded, despite rising demand for emergency food services.

HB 4134 (1.25% for Wildlife) passed, creating a new funding source for fish, wildlife, and habitat conservation across Oregon.

 

WASHINGTON: 

House Bill 2238 passed, which directs the Washington State Department of Agriculture to coordinate and develop a statewide food security strategy. The plan will examine food access, agricultural viability, and supply chain resilience, and will bring together agencies, nonprofits, tribes, and food system partners to better align statewide efforts to reduce hunger and strengthen the food system. 

HB 2211 passed which sets statewide standards for medically tailored meals—ensuring they are nutritionally, medically, and culturally appropriate and delivered by Washington-based nonprofit providers. It will help thousands of residents better manage chronic illness with food as medicine.

All major state food security programs were protected in the final budget—and one key program received additional support.

  • Emergency Food Assistance Program (base): $41.14M — MAINTAINED
  • Emergency Food Assistance Program (extended): $93.25M — MAINTAINED
  • SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): $13.97M — INCREASED from $11.83M
  • Senior Nutrition Program: $27.96M — MAINTAINED
  • Fruits & Vegetables Incentive Program: $2.95M — MAINTAINED

At a time of increasing need, maintaining these investments is critical—and we’re grateful they were protected.

 

SB 6045 and HB 2409 did not advance. They would have created a pathway for agricultural workers to unionize and bargain collectively.  

HB 2619 was designed to reduce agricultural regulations including land use, water and pesticide oversight. It moved out of committee but did not complete the legislative process.

HB 2463 did not pass. The bill proposed grants to support farm donations and a new farm-to-food-pantry program to help nonprofits purchase locally grown food.

HB 2369 (Local food for Schools) did not pass. It would have created a Washington Local Food for Schools Program to expand schools’ ability to purchase Washington-grown food for student meals.

Many of these bills will return in future sessions. 

 

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