Every five years the leaders of our country have a discussion on farm policy. In large part the debate is healthy, though, sometimes to make a point, arguments get off track. In the upcoming weeks and months you will hear both good arguments and ones that stray a bit far afield.
One of the most basic questions is why a farm bill is necessary in such a well–fed nation. The reality is that our nation is the place of both expanding belt lines and one where many struggle daily to put food on the table – especially high quality fruits, vegetables and grains. The farm bill steps in here in a big way, providing support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program or SNAP.
In 2012, the program provided support for 46 million Americans according to the USDA. SNAP is the largest program area in the farm bill with nutrition programs (including a number of school food programs) accounting for 78 percent of all spending in the same year.
The reality is that these programs have been expanding. But then so has need in this lengthy recession. When there is need, we are proud to be a generous people.
The second question in the farm bill debate involves farm spending. Farm programs were designed to keep farmers on the land when times got tough. We call it a safety net. Over the years that safety net has taken many different forms, the most recent of which were dictated by international trade agreements such as the WTO, which required farmers to be eligible for payments even if they didn’t grow a crop. This was never a farmer’s idea.
In the upcoming farm bill, there will be many reforms in how farmers are supported. Many of the changes are driven by honest questions about how to support farmers when they need it but not send them a check every year simply because they grow a commodity.
This time around the safety net for farmers will be programs that only kick in when prices drop below the cost of production - the idea being to keep the farmer on the farm during the tough times. There are also incentives for farmers to buy crop insurance for greater protection. This approach to a safety net makes sense.
So, when you start hearing about ‘food stamp this’ and ‘rich farmer that,’ keep these facts in mind and you will be able to keep it all in the appropriate perspective.
Incidentally, payments to farmers only account for a little over six percent of total farm bill spending.
Tim Johnson, CRC President & CEO
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