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Eye on the Farm Bill
The debate and posturing over the 2012 Farm Bill is in full swing, and Harvest Public Media is firmly focused on the action in Washington, D.C. Our ongoing coverage examines farm bill fundamentals and misconceptions — from direct subsidies to crop insurance to nutrition programs.
The work began in 2011, pushed onto a fast track by the the Congressional "super committee," which eventually came to an impasse over cutting the deficit. So the authors of the Farm Bill had to to start over this year.
Harvest Public Media teamed up with KCUR in Kansas City and Iowa Public Radio for a live talk show, Up To Date with Steve Kraske, that explored how the farm bill could affect U.S. food production.
You can listen to the show from the KCUR archives or download the podcast.
Framing the 2012 Farm Bill
Driving the debate: Large federal budget deficit and growing demands for fiscal constraint, with pay-as-you-go budget rules enacted in 2010.
Of note: Some look at the high level of current farm income and say agriculture does not need as much support. Others see a need for a safety net because of volatility.
On one side: Proponents of the current approach to the farm commodity programs want a stronger safety net for farmers. Some say efficiency should not be penalized by reducing support to successful large operations.
On the other: Opponents of the status quo often cite cost and budget concerns, and point to other competing policy priorities. Some call for more-equitable distribution of support within farming sectors. Some want to shift resources into programs that expand the non-farm economic base.
Some options being considered: Further tightening annual payment limits; using the available funding to better promote production of other farm commodities and domestic food systems.
Key side concern: How new farm programs will affect U.S. trade commitments.
Source: Congressional Research Service
Round and round we go
Initially, the farm bill was meant to help farmers who were being walloped by rock-bottom grain prices during the Great Depression. Now, though, it's massive.
Farm bill embroiled in deficit drama
With Congress' "super committee" tasked with identifying $1.5 trillion worth of budget cuts, agriculture programs are among the targets.
Directly speaking, this ag subsidy has lost favor
The time may be up for unconditional cash to farmers.With budget cuts looming, more and more politicians are looking to slash agriculture subsidies.
Conservation on the cutting block
In tough times, everything is on the chopping block, including one of the farm bill’s most successful environmental provisions — the Conservation Reserve Program.
On the fast track to a new farm subsidy
The 2012 Farm Bill may not wait until 2012. In fact, the whole (normally messy) process could be sewn up before the new year.
Crop insurance not a sure bet
While the U.S. government has subsidized crop insurance through the farm bill for decades, rising costs have raised questions about its degree of taxpayer support.
