CRS comparison of House and Senate farm bills

Here is a link to a 32-page pdf from the Congressional Research Service, dated Dec. 21, on a comparison between the House and Senate farm bills, passed along by the always helpful Kate Cyrul of Sen. Harkin's staff. I posted it to the industry discussion group.

The report is a must-read for anyone looking for a more complete understanding of specific provisions in the farm bill. For example, here is what the CRS said about the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Market Access Program.

House version:

MAP changes: organic agricultural commodities eligible for MAP promotions; increased annual MAP funding from $200 million (FY2007) to $225 million (FY2008- FY2012).
— FMDP funding authorized at $34.5 million for FMDP from FY2008 through FY2012.
— Reauthorizes EMP through 2012.
— Reauthorizes EEP through 2012.
— Reauthorizes DEIP through FY2012 (Commodity Title)


Senate version:

— Reauthorizes MAP: $210 million (FY2008), $220 million (FY2009), $230 million (FY2010), $240 million (FY2011), $200 million (FY2012). Organic commodities eligible; and 50% of funds over $200 million allocated to specialty crops.
— Reauthorizes FMDP: $39.5 million (FY2008 and FY2009), $44.5 million (FY2010), and $34.5 million (FY2011-FY2012)
— Reauthorizes EMP through FY2012.
— Repeals authority for EEP.
— Reauthorizes DEIP through FY2012 (Commodity Title)



TK: This CRS report has plenty of detail about horticultural provisions in the farm bill, and I recommend it heartily. From what I understand, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is drawing up its strategy this week how to push for the maximum return to the industry from the farm bill conference process, and this document succinctly defines the starting positions. By the way, Kate Cyrul also notes the floor passed version of the Senate farm bill is now available at http://agriculture.senate.gov.