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).
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides direct and guaranteed loans to…
Commodity programs and price support are federal tools that stabilize farm incomes by protecting against…
USDA conservation programs provide vital support to farmers, ranchers, and landowners dedicated to protecting natural…
The Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) is a key part of the federal farm safety…
View All →When severe weather, drought, flooding, or other disasters damage crops, livestock, or farm infrastructure, federal…
View All →The Farm Bill is a comprehensive federal law renewed every five years that shapes the…
The Trump administration is considering a large-scale financial aid package for American farmers ranging from $10 billion to $14 billion.…
Are you a farmer, rancher, or forest landowner already using conservation practices on your land? The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP),…
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a cornerstone initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), offering valuable financial…
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a cornerstone voluntary federal initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm…
Farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners manage vast landscapes that provide food, fiber, and vital ecosystem services. The U.S. Department…
When we think about the ground beneath our feet, we might just see dirt. But the United States Department of…
High tunnel systems, often called hoop houses, represent a valuable technology for agricultural producers seeking to extend their growing seasons,…
Regenerative agriculture represents a holistic approach to farming and ranching that aims to improve the health of the agricultural ecosystem,…