Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, which
governs Federal farm programs for the next 6 years, was
signed into law on May 13, 2002. Its provisions support
the production of a reliable, safe, and affordable supply
of food and fiber; promote stewardship of agricultural land
and water resources; facilitate access to American farm
products at home and abroad; encourage continued economic
and infrastructure development in rural America; and ensure
continued research to maintain an efficient and innovative
agricultural and food sector.
Among the bill's highlights: Alters the farm payment
program and introduces counter-cyclical farm income support;
expands conservation land retirement programs and emphasizes
on-farm environmental practices; relaxes rules to make more
borrowers eligible for Federal farm credit assistance; restores
food stamp eligibility for legal immigrants; adds various
commodities to those requiring country-of-origin labeling;
introduces provisions on animal welfare.