U.S. Senate Just Passed The Farm Bill. What Does It All Mean?

Food Republic•

The long-stalled Farm Bill finally passed in the Senate today, less than a week after passing in the House of Representatives. The bill reauthorizes hundreds of programs for agriculture, dairy production, conservation, nutrition and international food aid. President Obama is expected to sign the bill, which has been two years in the making. So, how does it all break down? Here are some key figures:

  • Costs $956 billion.
  • Reduces spending on farm subsidies and nutrition by $16.6-23 billion in the next 10 years.
  • Reduces spending on the food stamp program by $8 billion in the next 10 years. Also adds money to combat fraud in the program.
  • Adds $7 billion to the crop insurance program. Also adds money to combat fraud in the program.
  • Adds around $205 million to food banks.

Read past coverage of the Farm Bill on Food Republic:

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