Which program aimed to assist farmers by paying them not to cultivate their land?

The program that aimed to assist farmers by paying them not to cultivate their land is the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). Instituted during the New Deal in the 1930s, the AAA was part of the federal government’s response to the Great Depression and the agricultural crisis of the time. The primary goal was to reduce agricultural overproduction, which had driven down crop prices and harmed the farming economy. By paying farmers to leave a portion of their land uncultivated, the AAA sought to stabilize prices and support farmers’ incomes.

This act was significant because it marked a shift in federal agricultural policy and emphasized the government's role in managing the economy. The AAA also included measures for crop reduction and livestock management, helping to promote sustainable agricultural practices during a period of economic hardship.

Other programs, such as the National Recovery Administration (NRA) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), focused on broader economic recovery and infrastructure projects rather than specifically targeting agricultural issues. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) primarily aimed to provide jobs in environmental conservation rather than directly assisting farmers. Thus, the Agricultural Adjustment Act is distinctly recognized for its role in directly supporting farmers through payment for not cultivating their land.