The 2018 farm bill is good news for international agricultural development

The December passage of the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill is good news for professionals who develop and implement programs in international agriculture. Following are some relevant highlights:

1. Title VII—Research, Extension, and Related Matters, Subtitle A, Section 7101 is perhaps the most important section, as it lays out the purposes of agricultural research, extension, and education and amends Section 1402 of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 by adding: ‘‘(9) support international collaboration that leverages resources and advances priority food and agricultural interests of the United States, such as— (A) addressing emerging plant and animal diseases; (B) improving crop varieties and animal breeds; and (C) developing safe, efficient, and nutritious food systems.’’

Photo: Stephanie Miles/Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research