(NAFB.com) – Sustainable agriculture advocates are raising concerns about the House fiscal year 2027 agriculture spending bill, saying the proposal could reduce support for conservation, climate resilience and agricultural research programs. The House Appropriations Committee approved the measure in late April, advancing legislation that would provide about $26.3 billion in discretionary funding for agriculture, rural development and food safety programs, slightly below current spending levels. Republican lawmakers said the bill prioritizes farmers, ranchers and rural communities while reducing federal spending. The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition said the proposal maintains some conservation funding enacted in previous legislation but falls short of addressing climate-related challenges facing farmers. The group also criticized staffing reductions at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and what it described as weakened support for conservation assistance and research programs. The legislation now faces consideration in the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to negotiate changes before a final spending package is approved.