Agenda 2013

Change is coming to U.S. farm policy. The government policies of the past, once critical to American prosperity, are not designed to meet the challenges of the 21^st century. The status quo is not working and is not an option. However, powerful forces are making change inevitable in this next farm bill, including budget deficit reduction and a growing concern that farm policies do not serve the health of our nation.

Our farm bill agenda lays out a framework to guide decisions about the next farm bill that are already underway in Washington. The current fiscal situation is forcing a fundamental examination of government policies and programs that support America’s farmers and ranchers. Our nation and planet face huge challenges in ensuring we can feed and clothe 10 billion people by 2050 with an agricultural land base that faces unrelenting pressure from development. At the same time mounting environmental concerns, including competition over continually dwindling resources and impacts of climate change, require ample resources to ensure the tools for conservation are available for all working lands.

In the coming months, we will have the opportunity to rethink our public investment in agriculture. Our goal is a smart farm bill that provides the greatest benefit to communities while keeping farmers and ranchers on the land and helping them to manage it well.

Learn more about our farm bill positions on:

• Conservation: Clean Air & Water
• Protecting Our Working Lands
• Farm Safety Net
• Rural Communities