Basics

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive, multiyear statute overseeing various agricultural and food initiatives. The previous Farm Bill’s sections covered a spectrum of areas, including backing for farm commodity revenue, agricultural preservation, international trade and food aid, farm financing, research, rural progress, forestry, bioenergy, horticulture, and domestic nutritional support, U.S. food and energy production, land conservation, nutrition, and wellness programs. These are some of the many issues managed daily by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is one of the largest federal agencies with expansive oversight and regulatory authority. Generally refreshed approximately every five years, the Farm Bill furnishes a consistent platform for policymakers to tackle matters around agriculture and food.