Conservation Issues Are Central to the Ongoing Farm Bill Debate
- Media Manager
- Mar 18, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 8, 2024
The bill’s assistance programs help farmers and ranchers respond to land management issues.
NCSL - National Conference of State Legislatures
Written By: Megan Bland
Published: March 18th, 2024
Photo Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain
The 2018 farm bill, the nation’s most significant recurring agricultural legislation, expired on Sept. 30, 2023, after delays and a failure to release a new draft in both chambers of Congress. The omnibus, multiyear law, formally known as the Agriculture Improvement Act, governs a variety of agricultural and nutrition programs. It is generally considered “must pass” legislation.
While most farm bill programs have funding through the end of the calendar year, others have lapsed, such as the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Significant ramifications are expected if Congress fails to pass either a new farm bill or an extension of the 2018 legislation by Dec. 31, including the reversion of farm commodity programs to 1938 and 1949 permanent law. This could lead to a dramatic increase in prices for commodities such as corn and milk, and a total loss of support for other important commodities, including soybeans and sugar.
