[20010129]RS20765_农业：第107届国会的预期议题.pdf

Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20765Updated January 29, 2001Agriculture: Prospective Issues for the 107th CongressJean Yavis JonesSpecialist, Food and Agriculture PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryPersistent low farm prices and 3 years of multi-billion dollar ad hoc additions tofederal spending for farmers are expected to put pressure on the 107th Congress for anearly review of federal farm policy. Farm policy is governed by a variety of laws, manyof which are incorporated into an omnibus, multi-year farm bill. Most of the provisionsof the current farm bill, the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform (FAIR) Actof 1996, expire after the 2002 crop year. Key issues are the responsiveness of currentpolicy to low commodity prices and farm income, factors influencing low prices, andoptions for improving prices and/or providing automatic relief to farmers when pricesfall. Increased concentration in the agriculture industry, trade, and environmentalregulations affecting agriculture are likely to be part of the debate. House and SenateAgriculture Committee hearings on the future