About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline

LOG IN
LOG IN


1 1 (May 29, 2007)

handle is hein.crs/crsmthabdgp0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS22131 Updated May 29, 2007 CRS Report for Congress The Farm Bill in Brief Ren6e Johnson Analyst in Agricultural Economics Resources, Science, and Industry Division Summary The farm bill, renewed about every five years, governs federal farm and food policy. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) is the most recent omnibus farm bill, covering a wide range of programs including commodity price and income support, farm credit, agricultural conservation, research, rural development, and foreign and domestic food programs, among others. The existing farm bill expires in 2007, and Congress is currently considering options for renewal. The chairmen of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees have indicated that they intend to complete a new farm bill this year. Interest groups representing a diverse range of positions are seeking often conflicting objectives or levels of spending that challenge budget constraints. What Is the Farm Bill? Federal farm support, food assistance, agricultural trade, marketing, and rural development policies are governed by a variety of separate laws. Although many of these policies can be and sometimes are modified through freestanding authorizing legislation, or as part of other laws, the omnibus, multi-year farm bill provides an opportunity for policymakers to address comprehensively most of the programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The omnibus character of the bill can create a broader coalition of support among sometimes conflicting interests for policies that, individually, might not survive the legislative process. This same climate also can stir fierce competition for available funds. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-171) is the most recent omnibus farm bill.1 Its has ten titles, which are listed on the last page of this report. More detailed information on individual titles is in CRS Report RL33037, Previewing a 2007 Farm Bill. 1 There have been several omnibus farm bills (2002, 1996, 1990, 1985, 1981, 1977, 1973). Major prior agriculture legislation occurred in 1970, 1965, 1956, 1954, 1949, 1948, 1938, and 1933. Congressional Research Service The Library of Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress