Nationwide Poll Finds Most Americans Oppose Payments to Large Farms

June 2009 Newsletter

A new nationwide poll demonstrates that three-fourths of Americans support federal farm payments to small farmers, but nearly two-thirds oppose payments to large farms. The poll was conducted this spring by Knowledge Networks, a California research firm.

On this issue, farmers and non farmers agree. If anything, polls of farmers have shown even stronger support for capping subsidies for mega operators to bid land away from smaller farms.

About the only place where you can find majority support for unlimited farm payments is at meetings of farm and commodity organizations and the agricultural committees of Congress. On this issue, the majority is failing to represent most farmers and to work for the common good of rural America. The only people who can hold them accountable for that failure are their constituents – you and me.

The President's Pledge

While running for president, Barack Obama pledged to use his executive authority to tighten USDA rules and close farm payment limitation loopholes. Last month, the Center for Rural Affairs submitted comments to USDA on the topic (check cfra.org or call 402.687.2100 for a copy). We’ll know this fall whether the president fulfills his pledge. We’ll keep you posted.

For more information, contact Chuck Hassebrook.

Comments

Subsidies to Millionaires and Billionaires

Wed, 06/10/2009 - 02:23 — Wm. A. / Janet M. Corkran (not verified)

Who in their right mind, other than members of Congress, would deign to justify government subsidies to Millionaires and, particularly, Billionaires. There are glaring examples in all sections of the country. One, in California, lives in Beverly Hills, and is now selling Irrigation Water, sold by the Government at low rates, back to the Government at exhorbitant prices, which needs it to protect what is left of the depleted Salmon streams. The Salmon spawning runs have not occurred in 3 years.

Stop Making More Nuclear Waste

Tue, 08/04/2009 - 05:51 — tim seitz (not verified)

Further to your comment; It's long past "Genie stuffed back in the Bottle" time. This monster capable of destruction of the Earth must be contained and eventually outlawed for all time. All nations of goodwill must be convinced that the Khans of the Scientific community are likely to multiply generated for Religious reasons, and give the Bush/Cheney crowd reason to start needless destructive Wars for no reason, but lies, again. It must NEVER happen again, here, or elsewhere in the World. posted by Wm. A. / Janet M. Corkran Amen May I add my own; "Uranium is the raw material of a power-elite who has taken Mother Earth's every living creature hostage." The Late Petra Kelly, An Authentic Green Nuclear fissioning happens in nuclear reactors or in nuclear warheads. Nuclear waste is the only product of nuclear fissioning. Nuclear waste is destructive of all living things. Nuclear waste lasts forever and must also be monitored forever. Nuclear waste will beggar our grand children and their posterity. Greed for profit now is the only thing that drives the nuclear industry. Tapping renewable energy sources coupled with moderate consumption and healthy habits will meet all our needs and bring back a healthy environment for now and all generations to come. Sincerely Tim Seitz