Farm Bill Keeps Crop Insurance, Adds Funds to Seek Exports

The House Agriculture Committee recently released a 600-page draft of the 2018 Farm Bill.

The bill’s total spending over a 10-year period would be about $860 billion. That represents about a $100 billion decrease compared to the 2014 farm bill. About 90 percent of the cuts—or $93 billion—would come from the nutrition program.

The proposed bill continues funding for rural economic development priorities, including broadband infrastructure, rural water and wastewater systems and housing. It provides at least $150 million per year in appropriations for broadband grants and loans and at least $15 million per year for water programs.

USDA spending for crop insurance and income support programs would continue with a few minor changes. Recently negotiated benefits for sugar and dairy producers are also included in the draft.

The draft includes $255 million per year to develop sales opportunities for agricultural goods in international markets. Talks of a trade war with China have elevated interest in that line item.

The bill also contains a health emergency provision which would allow the USDA chief to “prioritize certain rural health [funding] applications” within the Rural Infrastructure and Economic Development title of the bill.

Source: Center for Rural Strategies