Geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

In United States agricultural policy, geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are defined in the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171, Sec. 10906) as a farmer or rancher in an insular area or a state other than one of the 48 contiguous states. This law requires the USDA to submit a report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees describing barriers to agricultural production in such regions, and means of encouraging and assisting those in such areas to own and operate farms and ranches, and participate in USDA agricultural programs.