Farm Bill

The Farm Bill was first introduced to the U.S Legislation in 1933, by Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The Farm Bill is a ominbus bill; meaning it is a law that covers a number of other diverse or unrelated topics(United). The Farm Bill is usually revamped by Legislation every five years. There have been many laws created during the time span extending since 1933. From the first bill, the Agriculture Adjustment Act (1933). This bill created many opportunities for farmers in The Great Depression.  "The bill allowed farmers to receive payment for not growing food on a percentage of their land as allocated by the United States Secretary of Agriculture. It also enabled the government to buy excess grain from farmers, which could then be sold later if bad weather or other circumstances negatively affected output"(United). The most recent law passed by congress was the Agriculture Act (2014).

The Agriculture Act "authorized changes in nutrition and agriculture programs in the United States for the years of 2014-2018. The bill authorizes $956 billion in spending over the next ten years"(Agriculture). With on going changes and improvements provided to the Farm Bill usually every five years, services function up to date. With knowing there will be changes every five years farmers can look forward to change and new forms of help through the government.

 The Farm Bill has created many opportunities for farmers through out the years. But with me not being a farmer, what does the Farm Bill do for me? United States Department of Agriculture lists five reasons why the Farm Bill is good for the economy. First, it reads: "Reduces our deficits by making the biggest reforms to our agriculture programs in decades." Second, "Generates 35 cents in economic benefits for every dollar invested by promoting trade to keep farm incomes strong." Third, "Authorizes and directs key rural programs that help promote local economic development". Fourth, "Invests in programs and and services that will help existing farmers stay prosperous and stay on their land." Fifth, "Renews conservation efforts to protect our fields, forests, and waters"(USDA). 

The Farm Bill not only benefits farmers, but citizens all around the Nation. These are just five examples of positive effects to the economy, the Farm Bill does so much more then that. The Farm Bill has benefited me by providing means for farmers to produce food wisely and effectively, in turn creating food and sustaining my life. Not only has this bill sustained my life but my grandparents and parents as well. The Farm Bill has helped farmers and the Nation out of hard times and I believe it will continue to do so, as it is used properly. 




Work Cited:

 "Agricultural Act of 2014." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. 

 "United States Farm Bill." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. 

 "Here Is How a Comprehensive Farm Bill Goes Beyond Our Farms." The White House. United States Department of Agriculture, 7 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2015.