Farm Bill Reauthorization Resource Hub
Explore NACo resources, stay up-to-date on the state of play and advocate for key county priorities in the 2024 Farm Bill
Counties and the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill plays a vital role in supporting counties as they deliver essential services to residents and visitors. This $1.5 trillion legislative package enables counties to make key investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition, and conservation, with a special focus on our nation’s most underserved communities.
This hub provides essential information, tools, and advocacy opportunities to help county leaders and communities fully understand the Farm Bill’s impact—from agriculture and nutrition to rural development, conservation, public land stewardship, and more. Equip your county with the knowledge needed to actively engage in the legislative process and ensure that the voices of your residents are at the forefront in shaping this critical legislation.
By the Numbers
1.89 million
farms across the U.S. benefit from Farm Bill programs
$16.8 billion
invested in USDA Rural Development Programs in 2023 through the Farm Bill
42.6 million
county residents receive nutrition benefits through the Farm Bill
Primer for Counties: 2024 Farm Bill Reauthorization
Administered by the USDA, the U.S. Farm Bill helps counties make critical investments in infrastructure, economic development, workforce training, nutrition and conservation within some of our nation’s most underserved communities.
Legislative Analysis for Counties: Farm, Food, and National Security Act
After months of negotiations, lawmakers on the House Committee on Agriculture advanced their version of the 2024 Farm Bill, dubbed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, after a committee markup on May 23. The bipartisan legislative package passed 31-22 with full support from committee Republicans and four Democratic votes.
Legislative Toolkit for Counties: Priorities for Strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
This toolkit provides an overview of the county role in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), federal policy priorities for ensuring SNAP is effectively serving county residents and the current legislative and administrative outlook for program reforms.
NACo Primer for Counties: Foreign Ownership of U.S. Agricultural Land
Foreign ownership of agricultural land is receiving increasing attention from Capitol Hill and state and county governments across the country. This report delves into the current trends in foreign ownership of agricultural land in the United States and provides a survey of the state and federal legislative landscape on this issue, with a particular focus on the implications for county governments.
Maintain Funding for USDA Rural Development Programs
Urge your members of Congress to support U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development programs throughout the FY 2025 appropriations process by meeting or exceeding FY 2024 funding levels.
Take Action
Urge your Members of Congress to fully fund the Farm Bill by passing a five-year reauthorization that addresses county priorities. Programs throughout the legislation help counties and our residents make critical investments in infrastructure, workforce and economic development, nutrition and conservation for some of our nation’s most underserved communities.
Download our letter templates below and take action today.
Farm Bill Template Letters
Below you can find a series of template letters to help county officials advocate for key priorities in the Farm Bill. Use these templates to call on your Members of Congress to pass a bipartisan Farm Bill that strengthens local governments, promotes economic resilience, and ensures that counties have the resources they need to thrive.
Use this template letter to advocate for strong support and improvements to federal nutrition programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to support access to healthy, affordable food for all residents in your county.
Use this template letter to advocate for increased funding and streamlined access to USDA rural development programs that support critical infrastructure, capacity building and economic growth in rural communities.
Use this template letter to advocate for robust funding and expansion of vital agricultural conservation programs that protect natural resources, promote sustainable farming practices and support long-term environmental resilience in your county.
Use this template letter to advocate for enhanced federal support for forestry and public lands management programs, including the Good Neighbor Authority, to help counties improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks and promote sustainable land stewardship.
NACo Contacts
Owen Hart
