Agricultural Policy?

Question

Does the US Agricultural Policy really suck that bad? Do you have any websites arguing both sides (nothing to long though)

Answer 1

In Great Depression in the 1930s, policies were set up to support farm income while at the same time ensuring availability of food at affordable prices for workers in the non-farm economy. Over the course of the last decade the focus of U.S. farm policy has shifted in favour of “decoupled” support programs and trade liberalization. U.S. crop exports have generally declined, but government payments to farmers have increased considerably.

The US and Europe subsidize their agricultural industries to the tune of $300 billion per year. These farm subsidies can lead to glutted markets and also serve to undermine the livelihood of small farmers in developing countries. It has also been argued that these same ag subsidies, articfically sustain low prices for 'junky' processed foods, compared to fruits and veg which should be cheaper - thus adding to the nations growing obesity epidemic.

There are many websites opposing US ag policy, and not as many supporting it. I imagine that there are many farmers out there who argue a need for subsidies and many of them have a point. Farming is expensive, and for small-scale farmers it really is not that profitable. It is the agri-businesses who profit from farming, and many of them receive the subsidies intended for the family farmer. Farming costs have sky-rocketed with expensive machinery, and high-tech seeds and fertilizers, as well as other agro-chemicals. If you have to argue a for and against, this might be a good angle to look into.

You could start with the links I've listed below. Good luck!

Answer 2

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a system of European Union agricultural subsidies and programmes. It represents about 44% of the EU's budget (€43 billion scheduled spending for 2005 [1]).

The CAP guarantees a minimum price to producers, imposes import tariffs and quotas on certain goods from outside the EU and provides a direct subsidy payment for cultivated land. Reforms of the system are currently underway, including a phased transfer of subsidy to land stewardship rather than specific crop production from 2005 to 2012. Detailed implementation of the scheme varies in different member countries of the EU, but a Single Payment Scheme for direct farm payments is being introduced in the UK. Direct payments are now made:

per hectare of farmland that is maintained in 'Good Agricultural Condition',

in return for specific rural development activities (such as diversification or setting up producer groups), or

for carrying out particular land management activities considered to benefit the environment (For a list of the 18 requirements Statutory Management Requirements, using Scotland as an example, see [1])

Until 1992 the agriculture expenditure of the European Union represented nearly 61% of the EU's budget. By 2013, the share of traditional CAP spending will have almost halved (32%), following a decrease in real terms in the current financing period. In contrast, the amounts for the EU's Regional Policy represented 17% of the EU budget in 1988. They will more than double to reach almost 36% in 2013.[2]

The aim of the common agricultural policy (CAP) is to provide farmers with a reasonable standard of living, consumers with quality food at fair prices and to preserve rural heritage. The policy has evolved to meet society’s changing needs, so that food safety, preservation of the environment, value for money and agriculture as a source of crops to convert to fuel have acquired steadily growing importance.

Answer 3

You are not asking for much are you? Just to explain agricultural policy then discuss the pros and cons of it, but nothing too long though.  Shouldn't take more than three or four good thick books. I think if you narrowed it down to one particular policy and even one country, you might get a decent answer. Give it a try.