U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced securing significant funding for projects in Maine as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bill was advanced with a unanimous vote of 27-0.
The measure allocates $27.1 billion in discretionary funding and is now set to be considered by the full Senate. “By assisting Maine’s farmers and investing in critical agricultural research and nutrition programs, this bill would support rural communities throughout the state,” said Senator Collins. She added that she will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process progresses.
The bill includes more than $25 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine. It also provides $10 million for PFAS research at the Center of Excellence for PFAS solutions in conjunction with the University of Maine, which is an increase of $3 million from FY 2025 levels.
Full funding is maintained for potato research programs under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and a provision allows school food authorities to provide potatoes through the School Breakfast Program.
The Farm Services Agency is directed to report on factors leading to agricultural production and farm loss in New England, including historical and projected data on acreage and crop types.
Additionally, $5 million is allocated for the FDA’s Neurology Drug Program to support policy development related to emerging brain science. Nutrition assistance programs supporting low-income women, children, and seniors are fully funded.
