What’s with this Farm Bill, anyway?

 The 2012 Farm Bill is definitely the “buzz word” throughout the agriculture industry right now.  As agriculturalists, we know the bill is important, but trying to understand it is confusing and very complex.  So what you’re really wondering is…what is it, what’s the process, and how does it affect me?

 

 

The Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government, which is revised and passed every five years.  Common topics addressed in the bill include commodities, conservation, agricultural trade and food aid, nutrition, farm credit, rural development, research, forestry, energy, horticulture, and crop insurance and disaster assistance.  Approximately 80% of the Farm Bill funds are spent on nutrition programs and the rest supports America’s farmers, ranchers, and consumer initiatives.

The 2012 Farm Bill is centered on three main priorities – resources for all producers, strong crop insurance, and a solid conservation title.  This provides extensive risk management options for producers and improves the quality of our natural resources.

So why is this important to you as a farmer, agribusiness professional, or even just as a consumer?  This bill sets the standard for food production, farm and resource regulations, and the entire future of agriculture.  If not revised and allocated correctly, our food supply could run short and our natural resources could disappear.

These next few months are the most crucial for Congress as the 2008 Farm Bill will expire on September 30, 2012.  For more information and current news on the 2012 Farm Bill, check out the House and Senate Committee websites.  And the next time someone asks you “What’s with this Farm Bill, anyway?” you should have the answer…