ABSTRACT
The 1990 US Farm Bill debate took place in a context not very auspicious for agricultural policy reform. To be sure there was a large federal budget deficit, but government farm spending was rapidly declining. The US Department of Agriculture began its planning for the 1990 Farm Bill in the summer of 1989. The Office of the Undersecretary for International Affairs and Commodity Programs was given responsibility for preparing the administration proposal to Congress. The environmental lobby also had input into the process by lobbying the newly appointed Assistant Secretary with responsibility for conservation and the environment. The administration made recommendations increasing its discretionary authority to set loan rates and to adjust Acreage Reduction Program programs, hoping to further its aim to make farm policy more market-oriented. The economic trends working to maintain the 1985 farm legislation related mostly to the improved health of the farm economy.
