Background Library
COVID-19 & Farm Bill Policy
COVID-19 & Farm Bill Policy
Learn about how the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted domestic Farm Bill programs.
Overview: History of the Farm Bill
Overview: History of the Farm Bill
The farm bill dates back to 1933. Learn how it has evolved over time.
Overview: The Farm Bill Legislative Process
Overview: The Farm Bill Legislative Process
Congress reauthorizes the farm bill every 5 years. This primer explains the legislative process.
Title I: Commodities
Title I: Commodities
Learn about the programs that support grains, oilseeds, cotton, sugar and dairy. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title II: Conservation
Title II: Conservation
Learn about conservation programs that pay farmers to conserve natural resources, and others that require basic conservation measures. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title III: Trade
Title III: Trade
Learn how the farm bill authorizes international food aid and facilitates American agricultural exports. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title IV: Nutrition
Title IV: Nutrition
Learn about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, our nation’s largest anti-hunger safety net.
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Title V: Credit
Title V: Credit
Learn about the complex farm credit system, essential for new and established producers alike. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title VI: Rural Development
Title VI: Rural Development
Learn how USDA support economic development, healthcare, broadband and other essential infrastructure across rural America. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title VII: Research & Extension
Title VII: Research & Extension
Learn about the government’s role in supporting, conducting, and disseminating basic and applied agricultural research. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title VIII: Forestry
Title VIII: Forestry
Learn about national priorities for forest management, conservation and emergency reforestation. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title IX: Energy
Title IX: Energy
Learn about support for renewable energy, energy efficiency and biofuels. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title X: Horticulture & Organics
Title X: Horticulture & Organics
Learn about support for fruits and vegetables, local and regional food systems, and the National Organics Program. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title XI: Crop Insurance
Title XI: Crop Insurance
Learn how the government provides a broad agricultural safety net through the heavily subsidized federal crop insurance program. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Title XII: Miscellaneous
Title XII: Miscellaneous
Read about the grab bag of programs from feral swine eradication to outreach for socially disadvantaged and minority farmers. Updated to reflect the 2018 Farm Bill.
Domestic Ethanol Policy
Domestic Ethanol Policy
Learn how the U.S. government supports ethanol production and usage in the United States.