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Read. Follow. Verify.Senate Hearing on 2018 Farm Bill Research Implementation
Record date · January 1, 2020
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What This Bill Does
This Senate Committee on Agriculture hearing reviewed the progress of implementing research and education programs mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill. The session focused on how the U.S. Department of Agriculture is utilizing reauthorized funding and new authorities to support agricultural innovation, land-grant universities, and farmer mental health.
The hearing tracks how federal research dollars and programs are being distributed to support agricultural productivity, university research infrastructure, and mental health resources for farmers.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Farmers and Ranchers
They are the primary recipients of mental health support services and agricultural research outcomes.
Land-Grant Universities
These institutions receive formula funding and competitive grants for research and infrastructure improvements.
Key Facts
- The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized primary USDA research, education, and extension authorities, including the Agriculture Research Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
- Land-Grant University formula funds were extended, specifically the Hatch Act, Smith-Lever, McIntire-Stennis, and Evans-Allen programs.
- The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network was reauthorized and strengthened to provide mental health support for farmers.
- New provisions were included to provide funding equity for 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions.
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- Competitive grant programs were established to support improvements to agricultural research facilities and equipment.
- The hearing took place on July 18, 2019, in the Russell Senate Office Building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network?
Which university funding programs were extended by the 2018 Farm Bill?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceFull breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Focus on Farmer Mental Health
The 2018 Farm Bill marked a formal legislative shift toward integrating mental health support into agricultural policy via the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy10Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz10Current news / social attention level
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