3 ms·

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 v

• robg 19y ago
  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?
  • edw519 19y ago
    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.
    • robg 19y ago
      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.
  • ken 19y ago
    One of Pollan's articles which describes this in detail: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/22/magazine/22wwlnlede.t.html