The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation the American president signs. Negotiated every five to
seven years, it has tremendous implications for food production, nutrition assistance, habitat conservation, international
trade, and much more. Yet at nearly 1,000 pages, it is difficult to understand for policymakers, let alone citizens. In this
primer, Dan Imhoff and Christina Badaracco translate all the “legalease" and political jargon into an accessible,
graphics-rich 200 pages.



Readers will learn the basic elements of the bill, its origins and history, and perhaps most importantly, the battles that
will determine the direction of food policy in the coming years. The authors trace how the legislation has evolved, from
its first incarnation during the Great Depression, to today, when America has become the world’s leading agricultural
powerhouse. They explain the three main components of the bill—farm subsidies, food stamps or SNAP, and
conservation programs—as well as how crucial public policies are changing.



As Congress ramps up debate about the next farm bill, we all need to understand the implications of their decisions. Will
there be limits on subsidies to huge agribusinesses? Can we shift toward programs that reward sustainable farming
practices? Will hungry kids get the help they need? These are questions that affect not only farmers, but everyone who
eats. You have a stake in the answers. The Farm Bill is your guide.