Number: RL33553
Title: Agricultural Export and Food Aid Programs
Authors: Charles E. Hanrahan, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers programs to promote agricultural exports and to provide food aid, all currently authorized in the 2002 farm bill, the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA, P.L. 107-171), or in permanent legislation. These programs include direct export subsidies, export market development, export credit guarantees, and foreign food aid. Legislative authority for most of these activities expires with the 2002 farm bill in 2007, and the 110th Congress has been deliberating a new farm bill. House and Senate conferees are working to iron out differences between versions of the farm bill. Slowing the process are differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and differences between the agriculture committees and the Administration over funding issues.
Pages: 23
Date: April 15, 2008