The next year promises a spirited debate about U.S. agricultural policy. Although the World Trade Organization talks have temporarily collapsed, compliance with WTO rules will influence the development of the next farm bill. The actions of our congressional representatives will likewise have a profound influence on the context of future trade negotiations. Couple this with the significant budget reductions placed on agricultural programs and the increased involvement in the farm bill from non-agricultural interest groups, and most policy experts will admit they have no idea how farm policy will evolve in the next year.