Overview

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The United States addresses agricultural and food policy through a variety of programs, including nutrition assistance, crop insurance, commodity support, and conservation. Much of the legal framework for agricultural and food policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years.

The current farm law, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Act), was signed on December 20, 2018. It was extended through FY2024.

For ERS research and analysis related to the Farm Bill, see Recent Farm Bill-Related Research.

Amber Waves: Farm Bill First Fridays

The Amber Waves Farm Bill-Related Research Series delivers articles on the first Friday of each month. These articles focus on key Farm Bill issues. To receive First Friday emails, please subscribe and choose the Amber Waves email list.

• "Farm Businesses Well-Positioned Financially Despite High Interest Rates," Amber Waves, July 2024
• "SNAP Spending Rose and Fell With Pandemic-Era Changes to Benefit Amounts," Amber Waves, June 2024
• "Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Drive Increased Participation in Federal Crop Insurance Program," Amber Waves, June 2024
• "SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Reduced Food Insufficiency Among Low-Income Households During Early Pandemic," Amber Waves, April 2024
• "New Metric Gauges How Much SNAP Benefits Support Lowest-Income Households," Amber Waves, April 2024
• "Participation, Payouts in Two USDA Risk Management Programs Vary Widely Based on Market Outcomes ," Amber Waves, April 2024
• "Rising Consumer Demand Reshapes Landscape for U.S. Organic Farmers," Amber Waves, November 2023
• "With Expanded Options, Organic Producers of Specialty Crops Increase Use of Federal Risk Management Products," Amber Waves, October 2023