2007 Farm Bill

farm billKeeping America Competitive

America is a world leader in agriculture.  To maintain our leadership position in the international community, it is imperative that US agricultural polices adapt to the opportunities and challenges presented by increasing globalization.   In the 21st century, US agricultural producers are still relying on policies based on 1930s production.  

Fostering Competitiveness

  • Ensuring Long-Term Competitiveness:  To maintain our comparative advantage, farm policies need to encourage producers to recognize shifting world demand and adapt production to meet world demand 10, 15, and 20 years into the future.
  • Focus on Quality:  As other countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, refine their farming practices, our comparative advantage is being challenged.  To remain competitive, US farm policy must place a greater emphasis on crop quality and value-added production.  Biotechnology and research will be essential to developing crops with consumer-oriented traits. 
  • Conservation Must Advance Competitiveness:  There are other ways of accomplishing conservation that can contribute to higher income and economic performance without idling productive resources.
    • Continued expansion of the CRP will hamper US agriculture's ability to produce and compete in global markets.  The size of the CRP has an impact on the availability of land to build and grow an economic foundation for the grain and oilseed sectors of the US economy.   
    • Idling productive land through the CRP makes it more difficult for young farmers to enter the business.     

Will America Lead The World On Farm Policy?

  • Competitive Agriculture Requires World Markets:  Domestic demand for US agricultural products is stagnating, and as a result, agricultural producers need open and competitive international markets.
  • Actions Speak Louder Than Words:  If, on the domestic front, America continues to implement farm programs that insulate our producers from market signals, we will increase our vulnerability to trade challenges before the WTO.
  • Change Should Originate From Within:  The WTO cotton decision is an indicator that the WTO will push for changes in US farm policy.  The United States should exert its leadership and initiate policy changes instead of being forced to comply with outside mandates. 

Alliance for Agricultural Growth & Competitiveness

USDA 2007 Farm Bill

Congressional Agriculture Committees

Other 2007 Farm Bill Proposals and Studies