Pretty amazing that the gov't programs meant to "support" farmers really is hurting many of them. It must suck to be that farmer, who just wants to grow more vegetables and just gets screwed.
If you think that's amazing, read about the U.S. farm bill and how it affects farmers around the world. More disquieting is how it affects the U.S. food supply (and as a consequence, our health). There's a reason a Twinkie (or a cheeseburger) is cheaper than an orange (or a salad). Uncle Sam subsidizes the former (sugar and beef respectively) much more. People (like me) are starting to wake up though with the help of popular books, like from Michael Pollan (all excellent). For the first time in a long time this year the farm bill saw some Congressional debate and for good reason. Why pay out millions to treat obesity and diabetes when cheaper food choices are a primary culprit?
So, instead of democrats and republicans arguing about how to solve the U.S. health care emergency and how to pay for it, just get rid of the Department of Agriculture. Save a bunch of money and everyone get better. I like it.
If only it was that easy. You're talking the global economy through international trade agreements with vast implications across the board. The best we can hope for, I think, is slow, targeted changes. More reason to be involved with politics - lobbying your representatives to help educate them on the issues you care about.
