Further observations on the changing nature of national agricultural policy decision processes, 1946-1995

Abstract

Nearly twenty years ago James Bonnen described the evolving nature of na? tional agricultural policy decision processes.1 Politics is ever changing, how? ever, and two subsequent transformations in the decision process make it necessary to revisit his observations about the 1945-76 era and update them to the present. The first of these transformations has been a major expansion in the range and scope of the issues that constitute agricultural policy. Farm bills have become far more complex and detailed, and more issues that affect agriculture are now acted upon in legislation or regulations other than farm bills. The second transformation involves the internal rules of Congress, which has become a more open and less hierarchical gov? erning body. Committees and subcommittees no longer control the pol? icy agenda. Greater influence is now exercised by party leaders and by