Source: NATIONAL SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE COALITION, 10/25/19


With the authorization phase of the Farm Bill concluded, attention has turned this year to implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. During this phase, Congress continues to oversee and fund implementation, while the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is tasked with implementing the programs and policies authorized under the new farm bill. Congressional oversight is critically important to ensure that the intent of the legislation is followed. During implementation, it is also important for farmers, ranchers, and other stakeholders to be involved so that farm bill programs are effective in meeting their needs.

Last week, both the House Agriculture Committee and the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee held hearings to review USDA’s implementation activities during the first 10 months of the 2018 Farm Bill. While both of the hearings’ main focus was on implementation, both chambers continued to raise questions on other relevant and urgent issues – including the relocation of USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), and whether USDA is purposefully suppressing climate change research.

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