Discussions are already under way on the 2012 farm bill, even though the 2008 legislation still isn’t fully implemented. Odds are that debate on the next farm bill will go on until 2012, which will be written under difficult circumstances — none more so than the budget deficit. Already the House Agriculture Committee has held a series of field hearings across the nation seeking input from segments directly and indirectly affected. It is expected that the baseline for farm program spending will be very difficult to increase, and in all likelihood will face reductions: the budget is going to be the overriding factor in what the legislation will look like.
Discussions are already under way on the 2012 farm bill, even though the 2008 legislation still isn’t fully implemented. Odds are that debate on the next farm bill will go on until 2012, which will be written under difficult circumstances — none more so than the budget deficit. Already the House Agriculture Committee has held a series of field hearings across the nation seeking input from segments directly and indirectly affected. It is expected that the baseline for farm program spending will be very difficult to increase, and in all likelihood will face reductions: the budget is going to be the overriding factor in what the legislation will look like. 
