Overview
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- The Food,
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008
(2008 Farm Act) builds on previous policy and provides a new
counter-cyclical revenue program and a permanent disaster fund for
farmers.
- Government payments provide an important source of income to
the farm sector, but U.S. farm policy has undergone significant
changes over the last 15 to 20 years.
- Beginning with the 1985 Farm Act and continuing with farm
legislation in 1990 and 1996, a series of fundamental changes in
commodity and other agricultural policies moved the sector toward
market-oriented decisions.
- Against a background of low commodity prices that spurred
enactment of five supplemental emergency assistance packages, the
new Farm Act adds income stabilization provisions, among other new
programs, to already existing policies.
ERS evaluates the economic effects on producers, consumers,
taxpayers, and rural communities of current farm legislation and
alternative policy instruments and programs.