Category: Farm Bill

The Miscellaneous Title of the Farm Bill is divided into four sections: livestock; socially disadvantaged and limited-resource producers; other miscellaneous, and a fourth section on oilheat efficiency, research, and jobs training.[1] The livestock section of the 2014 Farm Bill’s Title XII includes provisions that address animal health, such as the establishment of an animal health laboratory network and renewals…

Title XI Crop Insurance states that producers are eligible for crop insurance if there is enough supporting data available to support a claim of losses. It makes available subsidized insurance policies for about 130 commodities and crops, including commodities like corn, soy, wheat, cotton and others additionally covered by the programs under the Commodity Title, and specialty…

Title IX: Energy of the Farm Bill addresses renewable energy programs used to incentivize research, development, and adoption of renewable energy projects and energy efficiency. However, “the primary focus of USDA renewable energy programs has been to promote U.S. biofuels production and use,” in particular corn-starch ethanol, which dominates the U.S. biofuels industry.[1] The cornerstone program…

The Farm Bill’s Title VIII: Forestry addresses forestry assistance, especially on private lands. “Many federal forestry assistane programs are already permanently authorized, and thus do not require reauthorization in the farm bill.”[1] However, the 2014 Farm Bill permanently authorizes two additional components: an expansion of Stewardship Contracting Authority and the Good Neighbor Authority.  Both are “tools the Forest Service uses to…

USDA conducts agricultural research at the federal level and provides support for cooperative research, extension, and post-secondary agricultural education programs in the states, through Title VII of the 2014 Farm Bill.[1]  Title VII: Research of the 2014 Farm Bill includes a few important reforms and new initiatives. The 2014 Farm Bill provides $200 million in mandatory funding to…

The Farm Bill’s Title VI: Rural Development addresses rural community and economic development through a variety of USDA programs, “from connecting rural communities to broadband Internet to providing . . . financing for rural small businesses”[1] These programs “support investments in the rural economy through grants, loans and loan guarantees with an emphasis on essential infrastructure, small business…