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 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 localities have regulations on size of confined animal operations, odor, waste disposal, and water quality as they relate to agriculture.

Agricultural policy extends 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, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, tariffs, quotas, and other policies affect the trade of animals and animal products.

Last updated: Monday, May 28, 2012

For more information contact: David Harvey