During a Wednesday event, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue released the Department of Agriculture Farm Bill Principles. Perdue announced the principles as part a trip to Pennsylvania, while holding a town hall meeting. Through interacting with producers, USDA says the agency developed the principles to share with Congress as lawmakers craft the next farm bill. A document released by USDA says the agency supports a farm bill that provides a farm safety net to help farmers during down economic times, promotes crop insurance as a risk management tool, increases access to farmland for new and beginning farmers, and supports conservation programs. USDA also says the next farm bill should seek to improve U.S. market competitiveness and help open international trade markets. As for nutrition programs, USDA says the next farm bill should support work as the pathway to self-sufficiency, well-being, and economic mobility for individuals and families receiving supplemental nutrition assistance. Read the full list here: