USDA Farm Bills & Programs

Resources and support for indigenous farmers

USDA Farm Bills & Programs

Understanding federal agricultural programs, funding opportunities, and resources available to indigenous farmers and tribal communities.

Farm Bills History

One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act - 2025

Signed into law July 4, 2025

The OBBB Act makes significant changes to existing farm subsidy programs from the 2018 Farm Bill and is projected to increase federal agricultural subsidy payments by $65.5 billion over the next 10 years.

Key Provisions:

Reauthorizes core agriculture titles through 2031
Extends key commodity support programs through the 2031 crop year
Increases coverage levels and premium rate subsidies for farmers
Enhanced support for private crop insurance companies
Expanded farm benefits and subsidy programs

Note: The OBBB Act also includes provisions affecting nutrition programs, with changes to SNAP funding becoming effective in fiscal year 2027.

Read the full text of H.R.1 - One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018

Signed December 20, 2018 | Extended through FY2025

The 2018 Farm Act continued nutrition policy, crop insurance, and agricultural commodity programs much as they existed under the 2014 Farm Act, with some modifications and expansions.

Major Components:

Continued major conservation programs with modifications
Expanded programs for trade, research, and energy
Enhanced support for specialty crops and organic agriculture
Strengthened local and regional food systems
Increased support for beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers
Maintained crop insurance and commodity programs

Read the full text of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (PDF)

Agricultural Act of 2014

Signed February 7, 2014 | Expired end of FY2018

The 2014 Farm Bill took over 21 months to enact, spanning two Congresses. It made significant reforms to commodity programs and continued support for conservation and nutrition assistance.

Key Features:

Reformed commodity support programs
Strengthened crop insurance provisions
Maintained conservation program funding
Continued nutrition assistance programs
Enhanced support for specialty crops and organic farming
Expanded beginning farmer and rancher programs

Read the full text of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (PDF)

Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008

Signed June 18, 2008 | Expired end of 2012

The 2008 Farm Bill took over a year to enact and was complicated by revenue provisions, temporary extensions, and presidential vetoes. It emphasized conservation, energy, and specialty crops.

Major Initiatives:

Expanded conservation programs and funding
Increased support for renewable energy and biofuels
Enhanced specialty crop and organic agriculture programs
Strengthened nutrition assistance programs
Maintained commodity and crop insurance programs
Extended one year in 2013 before 2014 Farm Bill passage

Read the full text of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (PDF)

Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

Signed May 13, 2002 | Expired October 2007

The 2002 Farm Bill expired for about three months before extensions were enacted during final House-Senate negotiations. It increased funding for conservation and rural development programs.

Key Provisions:

Increased conservation program funding
Enhanced rural development initiatives
Strengthened commodity support programs
Expanded nutrition assistance programs
Supported beginning farmer programs
Extended for about five months during negotiations

Read the full text of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (PDF)

What is the Farm Bill?

The Farm Bill is comprehensive legislation passed approximately every five years that governs federal agricultural and food programs. It impacts everything from crop insurance and commodity support to nutrition assistance and conservation programs. For indigenous farmers, the Farm Bill includes specific provisions and programs designed to support tribal agriculture and food sovereignty.

Key Programs for Indigenous Farmers

Tribal Agriculture Programs

Dedicated funding and technical assistance for tribal agricultural operations, including support for traditional food systems and community initiatives.

Learn More