Federal programs for livestock are not comparable to those for crops. Federal legislation provides assistance for livestock and poultry farmers with emergency feed programs, drought assistance, and conservation and environmental programs. Other programs for livestock operations include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which provides technical, educational, and financial assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. The Conservation of Private Grazing Lands initiative provides coordinated technical, educational, and related assistance to conserve and enhance private grazing lands. Among the stated purposes are the conservation and improvement of wildlife habitat, fish habitat, and aquatic systems.

The Environmental Protection Agency provides information about national environmental requirements specifically relating to the production of agricultural animals, including fish and other aquatic animals. Feedlot operations are specifically addressed under the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation regulations. In addition, many States and locales have regulations on size of confined animal operations, odor, waste disposal, and water quality as they relate to agriculture.

Agricultural policy extending to trade and agriculture is one of the topic areas in the World Trade Organization that has been opened to negotiations. In addition to market forces, policies including export enhancements, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, tariffs, and quotas affect the trade of animal products.

for more information, contact: David J. Harvey
web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov
page updated: May 12, 2004