|
|
Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook
Radio
Number 72
Policy/Noteworthy: Extending the 2002 Farm Bill (3:00 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. Bobby Coats
Extension Economist
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture
If a new farm bill is not passed before the 2002 farm bill expires on
September 30, 2007 will an extension of the 2002 farm bill be required, while
the new farm bill is completed? I’m Bobby Coats Extension Economist University
of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The 2002 farm bill includes a wide range of mandatory and
discretionary programs. Mandatory programs include commodity support programs,
export programs, some conservation programs, and food stamps. Discretionary programs are some conservation
programs, federal farm loan programs, rural development programs, agricultural
research, and foreign food aid.
If no commodity support action were taken by Congress before the beginning of
the 2008 harvest, then the non-expiring provisions of primarily the Agriculture
Adjustment Act of 1938 and the Agriculture Act of 1949 take effect. I don't
believe that Congress is likely to
let this happen due the complexity of implementation and cost to the government.
Jasper Womach Specialist in Agricultural Policy with the Congressional
Research Service in a recent publication titled “Possible Expiration of the 2002
Farm Bill” states,
- “With past history as the example, it is unlikely that expired
authority to appropriate funds will constrain the congressional
appropriations process. With appropriations, basic nutrition programs
would continue. But, these programs present some unique issues that
would not be resolved without action beyond a regular appropriation.”
- “The 1981 and 1985 farm bills were enacted in late December, and the
1990 farm bill was enacted in late November. Enactment of the
anticipated 1995 farm bill in April 1996 is the most extreme case of
belated action. The 1990 farm bill expired in 1995, but the replacement legislation was not signed into law until April 4, 1996, yet
payments were made on the 1995 crops and farmers went ahead with
planting operations for their 1996 crops.”
In conclusion I would say that the new farm bill is being written in a very
complex economic and political setting. This makes the new farm bill challenging
to draft and complete because it addresses not only traditional farm programs
but it addresses the nation’s nutrition and food assistance,
agricultural and food trade, rural development, marketing, conservation,
environmental, food safety, and alternative energy needs.
This has been Bobby Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division
of Agriculture.
Source:
http://opencrs.cdt.org/rpts/RS22695_20070810.pdf
Back to Agricultural and
Food Policy Radio
|
