Agriculture was one of the earliest focuses of national policy and it continues to be revisited regularly. In spite of long-term attention, there is a persistent perception that national agricultural policy and related programs are not adequate. The historical context of agricultural policy with its unique legacy, popular misconceptions about agriculture that fail to recognize the complexity of agriculture and the underlying policy issues, plus weaknesses in the policy process all contribute to a failure to consider the essentials of a long-range agricultural policy. Because of acute pressures in a few areas, particularly with regard to producer welfare, and limited pressures or recognition of other essentials, agricultural policy has been too narrowly focused. In fact, this has been repeatedly recognized but never adequately treated. The essentials of a national long-range agricultural policy are known and information exists to fully address them; however, it is not being used. The challenge is to close this gap.