What are the main areas covered by the Farm Bill?
The Farm Bill covers 12 areas (12 “titles”), ranging from crop insurance to federal nutrition assistance programs. Per the Congressional Research Service, the full list is as follows:
Title I, Commodity Programs: Provides support for major commodity crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans, peanuts, rice, dairy, and sugar, as well as disaster assistance.
Title II, Conservation: Encourages environmental stewardship of farmlands and improved management through land retirement and/or working lands programs.
Title III, Trade: Supports U.S. agricultural export programs and international food assistance programs.
Title IV, Nutrition: Provides nutrition assistance for low income households through programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Title V, Credit: Offers direct government loans to farmers/ranchers and guarantees on private lenders’ loans.
Title VI, Rural Development: Supports rural business and community development programs.
Title VII, Research, Extension, and Related Matters: Supports agricultural research and extension programs.
Title VIII, Forestry: Supports forestry management programs run by USDA’s Forest Service.
Title IX, Energy: Encourages the development of farm and community renewable energy systems through various programs, including grants and loan guarantees.
Title X, Horticulture: Supports the production of specialty crops, USDA-certified organic foods, and locally produced foods and authorizes establishing a regulatory framework for the cultivation of industrial hemp.
Title XI, Crop Insurance: Enhances risk management through the permanently authorized federal crop insurance program.
Title XII, Miscellaneous: Covers other programs and assistance, including livestock and poultry production and support for beginning farmers and ranchers.
From https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF11126