The Farm Bill is an omnibus measure that oversees the food and agriculture systems in the United States. It addresses nutrition, crop insurance, conservation, rural investment, and land access. It is critical for the livelihoods of farmers, the environment, and national food security. The 2023 Farm Bill, which is renewed every 5-7 years, will remain in effect until 2028. The Senate and House Agriculture Committees draft the legislation, which both chambers of Congress then vote on. Members of Congress can affect the bill’s evolution by voting in favor of crucial subjects via marker bills.
How the bill impacts farmers
The Farm Bill has a huge impact on the lives and work of farmers, impacting their production, quantity, and processes. It establishes goals for the American agricultural system, frequently favoring specific crops and production practices. Soil health-focused projects, on the other hand, receive less than 1% of total funding, demonstrating that regenerative agricultural systems are not as well supported as conventional agriculture. Because of this lack of assistance, farmers and ranchers may be discouraged from implementing healthy soil practices and supporting regenerative agriculture.
Consumers are impacted as well
The Farm Bill has a large impact on the food system, influencing how food is grown, available, and accessible. It subsidizes commodity crops such as corn and wheat, raising the price of produce relative to processed goods. However, it also assists 42 million Americans through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides critical nutrition to low-income families. SNAP and other vital nutrition programs, such as WIC receive more than 75% of Farm Bill funds.
The Farm Bill is Divided into 12 Sections
The Farm Bill is divided into 12 sections (12 “titles”) that range from crop insurance to government nutrition assistance programs. According to the Congressional Research Service, the whole list is as follows:
Title I, Commodity Programs: Provides assistance for major commodity crops such as wheat, corn, soybeans, peanuts, rice, dairy, and sugar, as well as disaster relief.
Title II, Conservation: Promotes environmental stewardship and enhanced management of farmlands through land retirement and/or working lands programs.
Title III, Trade: Aids agricultural export programs in the United States as well as international food assistance programs.
Title IV, Nutrition: Provides low-income households with nutrition assistance through programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Title V, Credit: Provides direct government loans to farmers/ranchers as well as credit guarantees to commercial lenders.
Title VI, Rural Development: Aids in the development of rural businesses and communities.
Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters: Agricultural research and extension programs are supported.
Title VIII, Forestry: Supports the Forest Service’s forestry management programs.
Title IX, Energy: Promotes the development of agricultural and community renewable energy systems through a variety of initiatives, such as grants and loan guarantees.
Title X, Horticulture: Encourages the production of specialized crops, USDA-certified organic foods, and locally produced foods, and authorizes the establishment of a regulatory framework for industrial hemp cultivation.
Title XI, Crop Insurance: Improves risk management through the permanently established federal crop insurance program.
Title XII, Miscellaneous: Covers various programs and services, such as livestock and poultry production and beginning farmer and rancher help.
