Chilly Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 Another massively broken, pander to Iowa farm bill has passed Congress. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/washingt...arm.html?ref=us The measure includes language that calls on the federal government to buy surplus sugar and sell it to ethanol producers, where it would be used in a mixture with corn. Great, just what we need, more farmers producing sugar to get a government payment, and then mixing it into a biofuel that is inefficient and doesn't work very well. Of course, this farm bill still helps out the big guys: Under the legislation, married farmers with joint incomes of up to $1.5 million a year and individuals who make more than $750,000 could still qualify for some crop subsidies. Sigh, enjoy another 5 years of non-market set food prices, cheap sugar and corn, cheap junkfood, and an increasingly unhealthy America. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
molson_golden2002 Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 What nonesense, especially in light of farm prices being so high. Pretty soon farmers will be making as much cash of the feds as the military industrial complex. Still, its not all bad: However, lawmakers in both parties pointed to improvements in the nutrition, conservation and research programs that account for the bulk of the bill's costs. Eligibility for the food stamp program will be eased by increasing the income deduction allowed to qualify, and the minimum benefit will be raised. The conferees added $1.5 billion over 10 years for conservation activities on working farms. The program is a top priority of Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, who favors linking subsidies to a farm's environmental efforts, along lines being tried in Europe. Almost $400 million would be available to help farmers reduce runoff of pollutants into Chesapeake Bay. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...50803320_2.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KD in CA Posted May 10, 2008 Share Posted May 10, 2008 Another massively broken, pander to Iowa farm bill has passed Congress. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/09/washingt...arm.html?ref=us Great, just what we need, more farmers producing sugar to get a government payment, and then mixing it into a biofuel that is inefficient and doesn't work very well. Of course, this farm bill still helps out the big guys: Sigh, enjoy another 5 years of non-market set food prices, cheap sugar and corn, cheap junkfood, and an increasingly unhealthy America. I haven't read the bill but have a question on the 'millionaire' provision. When they are taking about farmers with incomes over $750K, is that a net or gross number? Makes a pretty big difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted May 10, 2008 Author Share Posted May 10, 2008 I haven't read the bill but have a question on the 'millionaire' provision. When they are taking about farmers with incomes over $750K, is that a net or gross number? Makes a pretty big difference. Adjusted gross income Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Are they really any "family" farms any more? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted May 14, 2008 Author Share Posted May 14, 2008 Are they really any "family" farms any more? Yep - check out your local farmer's market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 14, 2008 Share Posted May 14, 2008 Yep - check out your local farmer's market. Where is that? They farm the power company easement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted May 14, 2008 Author Share Posted May 14, 2008 Where is that? They farm the power company easement? I don't know what that second question means, but as far as the first one goes... check http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExiledInIllinois Posted May 15, 2008 Share Posted May 15, 2008 I don't know what that second question means, but as far as the first one goes... check http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/ Sorry about the second ?... Just a mistake by the "Riddler"... You know those things are flying around, hard to keep them in control! And oh... You are talking about those (I think there is one near me) crazy things. Who would have thought those were the main growers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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