 The Farm Bill. It's a phrase you hear and read, but many people don't really know what the Farm Bill is. The Farm Bill is officially the Agricultural Act of 2014 or the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill. It's an act of Congress authorizing nutrition and agriculture programs in the United States. Past this year, it will expire in 2018. The Farm Bill is the primary agricultural and food policy tool of the federal government. It's a comprehensive bill, past every five years or so, by the United States Congress. It deals with both agriculture and other programs managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Beginning in 1973, Farm Bills have included policies and regulations on commodity programs, trade, rural development, farm credit, conservation, agricultural research, and food and nutrition programs. Farm Bills can impact international trade, environmental conservation, food safety, and the well-being of rural communities. The first Farm Bill, known as the Agriculture Adjustment Act, was passed by Congress in 1933 as part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal. Its goal was to give financial assistance to farmers who were struggling during the Great Depression and also to control and ensure an adequate food supply. Highlights of the 2014 Farm Bill include that it provides crop insurance for farmers, it supports rural economic development programs, it continues international market development efforts, it also funds agricultural research, it consolidates conservation programs for flexibility and accountability. While providing new resources for organic farmers, it also increases support and management tools for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Finally, it funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Here's how the funding breaks down for 2014 through 2018 under this Farm Bill. There are total outlays of $489 billion. Nutrition programs account for 80%. Crop insurance takes another 8%. Conservation programs get 6%. Commodity programs get 5% and all other programs are allotted 1% of the total Farm Bill allocations. Learn more about the 2014 Farm Bill and how it will impact Alabama by visiting www.alabamafarmbill.com.