The farm bill was first implemented during the Great Depression to aid farmers and ensure an adequate food supply for all Americans. Today, however, most agricultural production in the United States is conducted by large agri-businesses, not family-owned farms. Although the government may give money to large companies in crisis to stabilize the economy, in general, it does not bail out small companies or individuals when their business fails and they face loss of income. Also, like many government programs, the farm bill program has been influenced by special interest groups within the industry and suffers from waste, fraud, and abuse. Read the following articles:
5 Things the Farm Bill Will Mean for You
http://www.cnn.com/2014/02/04/politics/farm-bill/
Milking Taxpayers
http://www.economist.com/news/united-states/21643191-crop-prices-fall-farmers-grow-subsidies-instead-milking-taxpayers
USDA to Cut Off Farm Subsidies to City Slickers
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/02/usda-city-farm-subsidies-114955.html
What are the politics surrounding farm subsidies? What aspects do you agree with? What aspects do you disagree with? Explain.
