Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, which
governs Federal farm programs for the next 6 years, was
signed into law on May 13, 2002. Its provisions support
the production of a reliable, safe, and affordable supply
of food and fiber; promote stewardship of agricultural land
and water resources; facilitate access to American farm
products at home and abroad; encourage continued economic
and infrastructure development in rural America; and ensure
continued research to maintain an efficient and innovative
agricultural and food sector.
Among the bill's highlights: Alters the farm payment
program and introduces counter-cyclical farm income support;
expands conservation land retirement programs and emphasizes
on-farm environmental practices; relaxes rules to make more
borrowers eligible for Federal farm credit assistance; restores
food stamp eligibility for legal immigrants; adds various
commodities to those requiring country-of-origin labeling;
introduces provisions on animal welfare.
Side by side: old and new. On the following pages
is a side-by-side comparison of the new farm bill with 1996-2001
farm legislation. Summarized but substantive, it offers a
time-saving reference to farm bill provisions.
For information on previous farm bills, see Farm Policy Background, Program Provisions, and History in the Farm and Commodity Policy Briefing Room.
Economic analysis. ERS Agricultural Information Bulletin, The
2002 Farm Act: Provisions and Implications for Commodity Markets,
assesses the impacts of the commodity provisions on the U.S.
agricultural sector.
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Click on these buttons in the
side-by-side comparisons for additional details and ERS
analysis. |
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