The farm bill is the primary legislative vehicle for assisting farmers. Every five years, Congress deals with the renewal and revision of this comprehensive legislation covering everything from traditional farm programs to nutrition, energy and conservation. Since 1933, farm bills have included sections ("titles") on commodity programs, trade, rural development, farm credit, conservation, agricultural research, food and nutrition programs, marketing, etc.
With a new administration in the White House and a different make-up to Congress, there will no doubt be different thoughts and ideas generated regarding traditional and potential new concepts within the farm bill. With heightened interest in carbon sequestration and climate change, some are suggesting those be incorporated into the conservation title. There is desire for broader coverage for specialty crops. The livestock and dairy industries want changes to price discovery, market manipulation and processing. Farm Bureau members can help shape the next farm bill through our policy development process.
Thoughts to Consider
- Are there major changes needed in the next farm bill?
- How could topics like climate and carbon markets fit into broader conversations around conservation?
- The past few years have seen nearly $45 billion in ad hoc support for trade issues, the pandemic and natural disasters outside of the farm bill. What do farms need for the future?
- Are there new risk management tools that should be considered?
- Does the farm bill adequately cover specialty crops? If no, what is needed?
- Should the farm bill’s dairy title be rewritten? If so, what should be the priority area?
- Should the farm bill address market manipulation and price discovery issues in the ag industry?
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