There is limited consensus within the agricultural sector of the United States concerning government farm policy. American farmers differ widely in their perceptions of the proper role of government in agriculture.

It is generally believed that value and belief differences among farmers are meaningfully associated with the variety of positions and actions taken by farmers with respect to government farm policy. Several observers have suggested that, if these value and belief diversities can be clearly articulated and resolved, more rapid progress can be made toward solving many present farm problems. However, there is little information on the relationship between values and beliefs and farm-policy positions and actions. Research concerning these relationships may be useful for assessing more precisely what role values and beliefs play in the present farm-policy conflict.