[20020531]96-900ENR_农产品立法：年表1933-2002.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 96-900 ENRUpdated May 31, 2002Farm Commodity Legislation: Chronology, 1933-2002Edited by Geoffrey S. BeckerSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummarySince 1933, Congress has required the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) toadminister various price and income support programs for U.S. farmers. Some standingauthority for these programs is provided by three permanent laws, from 1938, 1948, and1949. However, Congress frequently alters the basic provisions of these laws. Theomnibus law now guiding farm support (through 2007) is the Farm Security and RuralInvestment Act of 2002. This report will be updated if events warrant.Historical NotesFarm commodity programs were a product of the Great Depression. After WorldWar I, farm prices dropped from their wartime highs, as economic recovery in Europelessened the demand for U.S. farm products. Many producers struggled financiallythroughout the 1920s; their voluntary cooperative efforts to bolster prices (mainly bycontrolling supplies) failed. Meanwhile, farm advocates in Congress called