From the American Honey Producers Association …
Legislative Update
Honey and Beekeeper Provisions in the July Reconciliation Bill:
The Republican reconciliation bill [which passed Congress in July and was signed by President Trump] includes three key reforms directly affecting honey producers and beekeepers. These provisions aim to increase price support, clarify and expand disaster aid (ELAP) eligibility, and maintain access to assistance for larger commercial operations. Each measure reflects ongoing industry requests for more responsive and predictable federal programs.
1. Marketing assistance loan rate for honey increased to $1.50/lb.
Provision:
The bill raises the marketing loan rate for honey to $1.50 per pound, effective with the next crop year.
How it works:
– This is more than double the current statutory rate of $0.69 per pound.
– Honey producers can use this loan rate as a price floor: They can pledge their crop as collateral and either repay the loan or forfeit the honey if market prices fall below the rate.
– This substantial increase provides stronger income protection and liquidity for commercial beekeepers, especially during periods of low market prices or import-driven price suppression.
2. Statutory 15% normal mortality threshold for honey bees (under ELAP)
Provision:
The bill sets a fixed 15% “normal mortality” threshold for honey bee losses under the Emergency Livestock Assistance Program (ELAP).
How it works:
– Currently, ELAP payments for bee losses are available only for losses above “normal mortality,” which USDA defines administratively. In recent years, USDA has significantly increased that number and has signaled that absent legislation they would continue to do so.
– This provision codifies the threshold in law: Losses must exceed 15% of colonies to qualify for aid.
– This provides clarity and consistency across states and fiscal years, and ensures that producers aren’t denied aid due to shifting administrative interpretations.
3. AGI cap waiver for disaster assistance (75% farm income rule)
Provision:
The bill permanently authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the $900,000 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit for disaster assistance, if at least 75% of the recipient’s income is from farming, ranching, or forestry.
How it works:
– Without a waiver, producers with AGI over $900,000 are barred from receiving disaster aid, including ELAP.
– This provision maintains access for high-volume, landless producers like large commercial beekeepers who derive most of their revenue from agricultural activity.
– It ensures continued eligibility without requiring Congress to reauthorize the waiver each year.
Additional USDA support
USDA Issued another $1.3 Billion in MASC Payments to Specialty Crop Producers. Honey is eligible under the program.
More information is available in the USDA press release: https://www.usda.gov/aboutusda/news/press-releases/2025/04/29/usda-issue-13-billion-specialty-crop-producers-throughsecond-marketing-assistance-program-payment
Looking ahead
The AHPA continues to pursue an aggressive legislative and regulatory agenda on your behalf. While not exhaustive, below are a few of the items we are most focused on.
– Honey Integrity Act (Senate & House) — We are working with our sponsors to find a legislative pathway this year for the bill. We are also engaging with the Trump Administration on the issue at the White House, FDA and CBP level.
– Trade & pricing — We are working with Congress, the White House, CBP and the USTR continually on ways to curb dumping as well as other price distortive activity in the import market.
– Research — While the Trump Administration has made significant spending cuts at USDA, we continue to work with our agency partners to keep research on track and to prepare for major future risks such as Tropi. We are also working with our friends in the House and Senate to protect as much of the USDA research budget as possible from any further cuts. The government funding deadline is upcoming this fall.
