Why Change farm policy?

Federal farm policies, once vital to American prosperity, no longer meet the needs of most farmers and ranchers, the land or the public. 

Farmers and Ranchers
Most farmers and ranchers do not benefit significantly from current farm policies, and current farm policies do not adequately benefit those farmers they intend to support. This is especially true for farmers on the urban-edge—where 80 percent of America’s fruits and vegetables are grown—who sell fresh farm products directly to consumers.

The Environment
Our environment is threatened. Farmers and ranchers want to be good stewards of the land—and they want to protect the land for future generations—but three out of every four who apply for conservation funding are turned down due to lack of funds. U.S. farm policy should help farmers and ranchers provide cleaner water and air, more wildlife habitat, open space and protected farmland.

Public Health
Many Americans do not have access to healthy, nutritious food. Americans spend billions annually on medical expenses for illnesses caused by obesity, yet many don’t have access to healthy food. The U.S. has sound nutritional guidelines that call for increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, but current policies don’t provide enough support to farmers who produce those goods, or to expand consumer access.

Our Communities
Fresh local foods in our communities are at risk. Every single minute of every day, we lose two acres of farmland to development. Local farms and ranches are the backbone of farmers’ markets, and they provide productive open space and contribute to the quality of life in our communities.

Rural Prosperity
Subsidies aren’t helping rural communities prosper. Rural communities that receive the highest level of subsidies also are experiencing the lowest rate of job creation. Rural development policy must focus on building the assets of the community, not simply providing subsidies for farmers.

Pressure for change is coming from many fronts, including mounting federal budget deficits; conflicts with trading partners over the trade distortions of existing policies; the unmet needs of agriculture; and increasing public awareness about the inequitable distribution of current farm support.