Farm Bill Resources: ERS Research and Analysis

The United States supports its agricultural sector through a variety of programs. The primary legal framework for agricultural policy is set through a legislative process that occurs approximately every 5 years. The current farm law (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) remains in force through 2012.

ERS analysts examine the economic effects of current farm programs on producers, consumers, taxpayers, and rural communities, and evaluate potential effects of alternative policies and programs. ERS also provides a comparison of new and previous farm bills, provision by key provision. This web page provides a gateway to ERS products related to farm bill programs.

2008 Farm Bill: Side-By-Side Comparison

The 2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side presents an overview of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 and a side-by-side comparison of previous legislation and the 2008 Act. New features for 2008 include a users' guide, an alphabetical list of key provisions, and search capabilities within the side by side.

Featured Publications

• The Importance of Farm Program Payments to Farm Households, Amber Waves, June 2007

• Policy Options for a Changing Rural America, Special Issue of Amber Waves, May 2007

• Food Assistance Landscape, Economic Information Bulletin, February 2007

• Conservation Program Design, Economic Briefs, March 2006

For more related analyses, see 2008 Farm Bill: Background Publications.

Related Briefing Rooms

For more information, see these policy-related briefing rooms:

• Conservation Policy
• Farm and Commodity Policy
• Farm Risk Management
• Food Assistance and Nutrition Programs
• Rural Development Strategies