The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their 2018 Farm Bill and Legislative Principles during USDA Secretary Perdue’s campus visit at Penn State University. This broad outline of principles provides an inside look into the USDA’s legislative priorities in preparation for discussions over the adoption of a farm bill.
Among the principles listed are:
- Farm Production & Conservation
- Trade & Foreign Agriculture Affairs
- Food, Nutrition & Consumer Services
- Marketing & Regulatory Programs
- Food Safety & Inspection Services
- Research, Education & Economics
- Rural Development
- Natural Resources & Environment
- Management
Some of the more specific proposals included in the outline are forest management reform, investing in rural infrastructure, and providing affordable high-speed internet services.