AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018: SUMMARY AND PERSPECTIVE

Carl ZULAUF
2019 "EСONOMY. FINANСES. MANAGEMENT: Topical issues of science and practical activity"  
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the latest US farm bill, contains no major realignment of spending across its 12 titles. Nevertheless, potentially important programmatic changes are authorized. Payments by commodity assistance programs are more closely tied to current market conditions, including allowing farms to annually change commodity program starting with the 2021 crop. Commitment to using private-public partnerships to address farm environmental issues is increased. US land
more » ... rvation programs appear to be evolving to a pyramid policy approach composed of (1) conservation farming practices for land cropped annually (2) short term contracts to revitalize soil health, (3) environmental fallow to remove land from production for longer periods, and (4) long term conservation easements. The Research and Extension title had the largest percent increase in mandatory funding. Mandatory funding for US agricultural export programs were increased by double digits. Issues with provisions in multiple titles include organic production, local foods, urban agriculture, food wastes, legalization of hemp production, and programs to assist young, beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantage farmers.
doi:10.37128/2411-4413-2019-3-2 fatcat:4hspq35cgnb2fbihwalsyb6lza