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.
Title II: Conservation
Title II: Conservation
Learn about conservation programs that pay farmers to conserve natural resources, and others that require basic conservation measures.
Title III: Trade
Title III: Trade
Learn how the farm bill authorizes international food aid and facilitates American agricultural exports.
Title IV: Nutrition
Title IV: Nutrition
Learn about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, our nation’s largest anti-hunger safety net.
Download PDF
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.
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.
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.
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.