# Increasing Demand and Opportunities for Homegrown Products Here and Abroad

The House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on September 17, 2026, titled "Increasing Demand and Opportunities for Homegrown Products Here and Abroad." The meeting focused extensively on challenges and opportunities facing American agricultural producers, including specialty crops, livestock, forestry, and bio-based products. Key procurement-related discussions included the impact of recent legislation such as the Farm Bill, the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, and the Farm Food and National Security Act, which increased funding for trade export promotion programs like the Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) program. Witnesses highlighted the importance of these programs in expanding export markets and addressing trade barriers. The hearing also addressed the effects of tariffs and trade policies on market access and input costs, the need for labor reform through the Securing Agricultural Workforce Act, and the role of federal procurement in supporting bio-based products and domestic manufacturing. Several witnesses advocated for tax incentives like the Buying American Cotton Act and the Grown in America Act to strengthen domestic demand. The committee discussed the importance of stable and competitive markets, workforce development, infrastructure investments, and regulatory reform to enhance the competitiveness of American agriculture. No specific contract awards or procurement vehicle decisions were made during the hearing, but policy discussions and funding allocations were emphasized as critical to future procurement and market opportunities for American producers.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** September 17, 2026

### Sources
- [Increasing Demand and Opportunities for Homegrown Products Here and Abroad](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3VwD2CnMzw) - House Committee on Agriculture