Farm Subsidy Update

OK, I know I get strangely excited about these things, but you may remember my previous post complaining about the evils of the Farm Subsidy Bill that supports farmers of wheat, soy, rice and corn. Well, the NY Times reports this is the first year that activists are facing off with lobbyists to make some changes. These changes would help small farmers, make fruits and vegetables more affordable, end fixed subsidies to large farms when they produce nothing, and reward those who participate in responsible farming. All those high calorie, low cost snacks made from wheat, corn oil, and high fructose corn syrup are the result of subsidies for crop farmers who needed help during the Great Depression. The snacks have contributed to the obesity epidemic in this country. What's more, billions continue to be handed out to farmers even if they don't produce any crops, and often when they are dead! Oops! The new changes would help create a better market for all fruits and vegetables and help stop this unhealthy trend. Now let's see if congress will listen to reason and not just money from the industry lobbyists.