RS22693
Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension in the 2007 Farm Bill
November 02, 2007

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National Agricultural Law Center

Summary:

Congress is currently considering a new multi-year farm bill to govern U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research programs. The Administration, the land grant university system, and a congressionally authorized task force earlier put forth proposals to make major changes to the management structure. The 2007 House farm bill (H.R. 2419) and the Senate Agriculture Committee-approved farm bill reflect various aspects of these proposals. Both would try to achieve improved coordination across agencies, and both would create a National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Substantial differences exist between the two proposals in the functions of NIFA and the levels of mandatory funds devoted to research. This report will be updated as the 2007 farm bill progresses.