How to Wean the American Farmer from Washington

Publication Date: June 1988

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Robert G. Chambers

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Keywords: Agriculture

Type: Report

Abstract:

Genuine, lasting reform is needed. First, farm subsidies should be decoupled from production requirements. Rather than being forced to produce unneeded crops simply to qualify for subsidies, farmers should be allowed to plant whatever is needed by the market. In the long term, the subsidies themselves should be phased out. The result would be a completely independent agricultural sector able to produce what is needed and only what is needed by consumers. The benefits would be shared by farmers, consumers, and taxpayers alike.