Agricultural Policy

U.S. agricultural policy determines how producers manage risk, access markets, and steward land through programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and related agencies (USDA overview).

Safety net, payments, and disaster support

Federal supports — from commodity programs and updated reference prices to crop insurance and disaster assistance — help farms absorb price swings and extreme weather (Farm Bill navigation, farm subsidies, crop insurance, disaster assistance).

Conservation and soil health

Programs like CRP, EQIP and CSP provide payments and technical help to improve soil, water and habitat; producers can pair those with regenerative and soil-health practices to earn incentives (Conservation Reserve Program, EQIP, CSP, regenerative agriculture, soil health).

Access to capital and transitions

Beginning farmers and established operations can find loans, microloans, grants and technical assistance to start, expand, or transition to organic and other systems (beginning farmer resources, farm loans guide, organic transition support).

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Dive Deeper Into Agricultural Policy

Crop Insurance

The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) is a key part of the federal farm safety…

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Disaster Assistance

When severe weather, drought, flooding, or other disasters damage crops, livestock, or farm infrastructure, federal…

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All Articles on Agricultural Policy

Why the Trump Administration Is Considering a $10-14 Billion Farmer Bailout

The Trump administration is considering a large-scale financial aid package for American farmers ranging from $10 billion to $14 billion.…

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): Get Rewarded for Your Existing Conservation Efforts

Are you a farmer, rancher, or forest landowner already using conservation practices on your land? The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP),…

Getting Started with EQIP: Conservation Funding for Your Land

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a cornerstone initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offering valuable financial…

A Landowner’s Guide to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a cornerstone voluntary federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm…

Understanding USDA Conservation Programs: CRP, EQIP, and CSP

Farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners manage vast landscapes that provide food, fiber, and vital ecosystem services. The U.S. Department…

Understanding Soil Health: USDA Guidance for Healthy Land and Sustainable Futures

When we think about the ground beneath our feet, we might just see dirt. But the United States Department of…

High Tunnel Systems: Unlocking USDA EQIP Funding Opportunities

High tunnel systems, often called hoop houses, represent a valuable technology for agricultural producers seeking to extend their growing seasons,…

What is Regenerative Agriculture? USDA Perspectives and Programs

Regenerative agriculture represents a holistic approach to farming and ranching that aims to improve the health of the agricultural ecosystem,…