What the Farm Bill Is

Every five or six years, Congress undertakes a major overhaul of the Federal agriculture and food programs. The product of this exercise is commonly referred to as the "Farm Bill," a massive piece of legislation covering such diverse topics as commodity price support, farm credit, international trade in agricultural products, research and extension funding, and some nutrition programs.

The last Farm Bill was enacted in 2002 and is scheduled to expire in 2007. In 2006 and early 2007, the Senate and House committees on agriculture will hold congressional hearings on what changes are needed in the Farm Bill programs. Following the hearings, Congress then will craft legislation, debate and amend it on the House and Senate floor, and send the final package to the President for his signature.

The Farm Bill affects every American one way or the other. Its programs support the prices for commodities such as wheat, milk, and sugar, used by food companies to make the groceries we consume; and it plays an important role in shaping the rural economy, thus directly affecting local and national agribusinesses, rural financial institutions, and international traders in food and fiber.

Why a Farm Bill Blog and What It Covers

A federal enactment so important to so many is an apt topic to have its development chronicled. That is what this blog will do: provide updates on the development of the 2007 Farm Bill from start to finish. And, it will provide some perspective on the issues too--such as basic information on the kinds of programs the farm bill covers, historical analyses of farm policy, and what else is going on in the world that might affect the Farm Bill.

About the Blogger

As author of this blog, I will bring to it the perspective of someone who has been a close observer of the Farm Bill process over six cycles, starting in 1977. For my first three Farm Bills, I was a congressional staff aide who actually wrote some of the legislation. For the three most recent Farm Bills, my role has been that of Washington representative for food and agribusiness companies and their trade associations striving to provide helpful input to the congressmen charged with putting the farm legislation together. I also am available to speak to your organization about the new farm bill.

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