Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, which governs Federal farm programs for the next 6 years, was signed into law on May 13, 2002. Its provisions support the production of a reliable, safe, and affordable supply of food and fiber; promote stewardship of agricultural land and water resources; facilitate access to American farm products at home and abroad; encourage continued economic and infrastructure development in rural America; and ensure continued research to maintain an efficient and innovative agricultural and food sector.

Among the bill's highlights: Alters the farm payment program and introduces counter-cyclical farm income support; expands conservation land retirement programs and emphasizes on-farm environmental practices; relaxes rules to make more borrowers eligible for Federal farm credit assistance; restores food stamp eligibility for legal immigrants; adds various commodities to those requiring country-of-origin labeling; introduces provisions on animal welfare.