Farm Bill 2007 -- Updated: May 10, 2007
Agricultural policy affects not only the economic well-being of farm households, but also our food supply, the environment, and the future of rural communities. The current farm law (the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002) remains in force only through 2007. The agriculture committees in Congress have begun to debate ideas and, in the upcoming months, will be crafting legislation that will become the next farm law. ERS analysts examine the economic effects of current farm legislation on producers, consumers, taxpayers, and rural communities, and evaluate potential effects of alternative policies and programs. Included in this feature is a selection of recent ERS research and analysis on issues that the farm bill debate will address.

Government Payments and the Farm Sector: Who Benefits and How Much
Government payments encompass all payments to the farm sector.

Commodity Backgrounders
U.S. agriculture faces a world of new technologies, variable consumer preferences, evolving market structures, and shifting trade patterns that present multiple challenges to commodity producers. Adding to the complexity, domestic and international policy developments and emerging trade agreements require continual attention and adjustment.

Relaxing Fruit and Vegetable Planting Restrictions
A recent WTO ruling may result in the elimination of planting restrictions on certain crops, a long-time feature of U.S. commodity programs.

Global Agriculture and the Doha Round - Market Access is the Key
Despite benefits of freer trade, high agricultural tariffs remain a sticking point in suspended Doha Round trade talks.

NAFTA at 13: Implementation Nears Completion
Implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is drawing to a close.

Food Assistance Landscape
Federal expenditures for USDA's food assistance programs totaled almost $53 billion in fiscal 2006, a 4-percent increase over the previous fiscal year.

Improving Food Choices - Can Food Stamps Do More?
An expanded focus on nutrition may steer food stamp participants to better diets.

Policy Options for a Changing Rural America
No longer tied closely to farm policies, rural economies in the 21st century will be shaped demographic change, industrial restructuring, and national economic trends.

Rural America at a Glance Series
The At A Glance series: Rural America At A Glance, Rural Educations At A Glance, Rural Poverty At A Glance

Ethanol Reshapes the Corn Market
The expanding U.S. ethanol sector is stimulating demand for corn, but alternatives to corn may dampen that demand.

Managing Risk With Revenue Insurance
Revenue insurance may do a better job of stabilizing farm income and may protect more farms than other risk management tools.