As the 2026 session of the Kentucky General Assembly moves toward its final stretch, several key policy decisions are taking shape that will impact the future of farming, local food systems, and nutrition access across the Commonwealth. At CFA, we’re continuing to advocate for policies that support Kentucky farmers, strengthen local markets, and connect more Kentuckians to fresh, locally produced food.
This year, three core issues have guided our work for our members: protecting farmland ownership, investing in soil health, and expanding market opportunities for small and mid-scale farmers. The following bills represent important steps toward addressing these challenges and strengthening the long-term viability of Kentucky family farms:
- Senate Bill 73: Originally introduced as separate poultry legislation and now incorporated into broader policy discussions, SB 73 would allow certain USDA-exempt poultry producers to process up to 1,000 birds on-farm and sell directly to consumers at farms, farmers markets, and roadside stands. This change would expand market access for small-scale producers and help meet growing demand for locally raised meat. The bill has been delivered to the Governor.
👉 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sb73.html - Senate Bill 5 (SIGNED INTO LAW): This legislation makes it easier for schools to purchase Kentucky-grown agricultural products by reducing state levle procurement barriers, which starts to address strengthening farm-to-school connections and expanding markets for local producers.
👉 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sb5.html - House Bill 197: This legislation would create a Healthy Soils Program and Fund to support farmers and landowners implementing soil-building practices through grants, technical assistance, and planning support.
- Senate Bill 23: This bill would establish a clearer legal process when farmland is inherited by multiple family members without a will—helping families hold onto their land and reducing the risk of forced sales that can lead to land loss.
- House Bill 871: This piece of legislation would establish a Kentucky Farm to School Program and dedicated fund. The program would reimburse school districts for meals that include Kentucky-grown products and require participating districts to develop plans to increase local purchasing and food education opportunities.
Together, these conversations reflect a growing recognition that strong farms and healthy communities go hand in hand. From protecting family farmland to expanding local food markets, improving soil health, and supporting small-scale processing, the decisions made during this legislative session will have lasting impacts on Kentucky agriculture.
We’ll continue working alongside our members, farmers, community partners, and policymakers to advance solutions that strengthen family farms and build a more resilient local food system for Kentucky.