Abstract A reaction to the Hosansky article on FarmSubsidies in the "CQ Researcher" which discusses the Farm Bill implemented by President Bush on May 13 2002. The author illustrates how although the report contained sufficient information on the issue, it had an inward-looking bias and did not adequately emphasize the global impact of the U.S. Farm Bill. Furthermore the report is said to lack an international perspective of the issue and does not take a clear-cut stand on the merits or demerits of FarmSubsidies.
From the Paper "The signing into law of the US Farm Bill in May 2002 has serious and profound international implications. These effects have only been mentioned in passing by the author and have not been analyzed or explained in sufficient depth. For example, the subsidies that have been built into the Bill (a massive 70% hike over the current levels) would result in overproduction of such food products as corn, wheat, cotton, rice and soybeans. This would drive down the market prices of these commodities and create huge surpluses in the United States. These products would then be exported to the poor countries of the world where the farmers cannot possibly compete with such low prices."
Abstract This paper explains that, although the United States provides proportionally less support for its farmers overall than the E.U., it is the second largest supporter of agriculture in the developed world; some commodities, such as sugar, have overall support at E.U. levels. The author points out that evidence suggests that the current U.S. barriers hit the very poorest countries hardest. The paper relates that direct support given to U.S. farmers and the presence of significant trade barriers for certain products means that the United States agricultural production is higher than it would be otherwise, which lowers world prices; moreover, U.S. direct export subsidies, export credits and food aid are likely to have a further depressing effect on world prices.
From the Paper "This evidence also suggests that the United States Generalized System of Preferences, U.S. GSP, program is not particularly generous with respect to agricultural products, a point supported by some WTO calculations. The estimated gap between the average agricultural tariff faced by middle-income countries, who will largely have GSP terms, and OECD ones, who will mainly face MFN rates, in the United States is only 1.5 percent. A wide range of agricultural products are indeed excluded from coverage under the U.S. GDP, and even the U.S. Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, excludes many significant agricultural products."
Abstract This paper looks at the focus, impact and consequences of U.S. farm policies. In particular, it examines the 1996 Farm Bill, policy changes instituted in 1985, and the 2002 Farm Act. The paper concludes with an analysis of the consequences, whether positive or negative, of the Freedom to Farm Act.
From the Paper "The United States has always supported its farmers through a number of different policies. This policy has included programs designed to distribute the nation's land in an equitable fashion, increase productivity, raising the standard of living of American farmers and helping them to market their products (Westcott and Price, 2001). US farm policy since the 1930s focused on price and income supports. Until the introduction of the 1996 Farm Bill, the price support system relied on a series of acreage limits and storage programs (Westcott and Price, 2001)."
Abstract This paper examines the history of federal support for farming and analyzes how effective it has been. The historical and economic background of the current crisis in American farming is also examined. The paper looks at the impact of the Grange movement, the Dust Bowl catastrophe, poor farming and land management methods and federal subsidies to farmers.
From the Paper "We tend to think of the current crisis faced by American farmers in which each year farmers are forced to leave a profession and a calling that their families have often practiced for generations sometimes ..."
Abstract In this article, the writer studies the farm policies in America during the Eisenhower and Kennedy years. The writer places primary focus on the specific moves of President Kennedy in this field. The writer discusses President Kennedy's actions, including raising farmer income, improving supply management and using farm surpluses to augment other programs.
From the Paper "...... American agricultural production grew dramatically while the number of farm workers declined by nearly one-third. What some historians have described as nearly miraculous agricultural productivity was achieved. This was accomplished as a consequence of greater crop specialization, intensive use of fertilizers and increased mechanization of farm work itself. The decline of the family farm and the growth of what came to be called agri-business changed the environment in which agricultural production in the United States took place. Larger farmers benefited ... "
Tags: John F. Kennedy, farm policy, Benson, farm surpluses, Eisenhower
Abstract This paper takes a look at the practice of factory farming in the United States. While the paper concedes that these new age farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for the increasing demand, the methods involved, crowded conditions, and problems caused to the environment are less than beneficial. The author describes how the factory farms have deteriorated the environment by polluting waterways and producing greenhouse gases as well as the unnatural and overcrowded conditions that livestock now live in. The paper also mentions the additional health problems that humans will encounter as we eat the products from these farms and fill our bodies with unnatural bi-products. In closing, the author urges the public to stop destroying the environment by overconsumption and to support free range farmers.
From the Paper "The United States livestock industry is certainly not the shining example of how animals should be treated, but it is certainly a vital part of agriculture in this country. There has been a major shift in the way livestock is produced and grown in the last several decades. Small family farms have been replaced by large corporately owned factory farms. These new age farms have caused major problems for our environment, our health, and our animals. Huge factory farms have become the predominant method of raising livestock, and the crowded conditions in these facilities have caused water and air pollution, caused health problems, and caused harm to overall public health. There is no doubt that these farms have found innovative ways to produce meat and food for our increasing demand, but these ways are simply not healthy for humans, animals, and the earth."
Abstract This paper discusses the issues of should the Nantucket Sound wind farm be allowed to proceed and do the apparent benefits outweigh the risks that opponents have outlined? In a word: yes. According to the paper, the Nantucket Sound wind farm proposal should move forward in its development. It represents a renewable source of clean electricity that has minimal impact upon the region--both environmentally and economically. The coming years will see ever-increasing costs for nonrenewable sources of electricity such as coal and natural gas. The Nantucket Sound region has the ability to produce much of its own electricity, cheaply and efficiently. The region should take advantage of that resource.
Abstract This paper analyzes the various themes in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm." The paper explores the contrasts between the setting of a farm, the characters being animals, and the serious political messages of the book. The paper's author concludes that Orwell used these contrasts in order for the reader to constantly question the themes of the novel.
From the Paper "The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is considered as one having important and serious themes. Orwell is writing about the nature of power, the corruption of power, the nature of society, as well as a basic theme about good and evil. The importance of these themes suggests that the novel is one that Orwell wanted people to take seriously. The importance of these themes also suggests that the novel is one for an adult audience. These aspects of the novel create questions about why Orwell wrote it the way he did. Why did he base the novel on an animal farm, where the animals reject the humans and take over the farm? Why does Orwell have pigs as the main characters? These aspects of the novel do not seem to match the important themes of the novel. Yet, it must be assumed that Orwell had a purpose in selecting the setting, the characters, and the style of the novel. These issues will now be explored in detail, with the purpose being to understand what Orwell was trying to achieve with the novel."
Abstract According to a 1994 GAO analysis, without water subsidies in California, farms would still be profitable. This paper first discusses the history of water subsidies, before showing their advantages and disadvantages. It ultimately argues that water subsidies should be done away with because of the billions of dollars they cost taxpayers each year and the fact that they encourage farmers to squander money.
From the Paper "There are, however, far more negatives to providing farmer subsidies then positives. The main negative is the price of providing farmers with water - since 1902 we have lost 70 billion dollars in water subsidies, and it cost taxpayers approximately 2.2 billion a year (Candee). Also, the subsidies are not benefiting the farmers that need it the most, ?Many corporate farms circumvent the acreage limits in reclamation law, thereby preventing small farmers from buying land at prices that are affordable while giving those larger operators unintended competitive advantages (Adams).? These water subsidies also cause a large loss in water; the San Joaquin River is dry for more than 12 miles because the flow of the river has been used for agricultural purposes. In regions near large water subsidies there has been destruction of wetlands and a decrease in fish and wildlife populations. In my opinion the negatives outweigh the positives of water subsidies."
Abstract This paper deals with the issue of free trade in agricultural products versus protectionism that is one of the fiercest international economic debates. It discusses the arguments of the proponents of free trade who believe in opening the global market with as few restrictions on trade as possible and those of the proponents of protectionism who believe in concentrating on the welfare of the domestic farming community. The stage at which the talks over subsidies take place is the World Trade Organization ("WTO").
Paper Outline:
Introduction
The Economics of Agriculture
Some Numbers
A Comparative Advantage of the Poor
The Reasons for Protectionism
The WTO and the Prisoner's Dilemma
From the Paper "However, why do the rich countries like those of the European Union as well as the US today still subsidize their farmers to the tune of billions of dollars a year? Beginning in the 1930s most industrialized countries developed agricultural price-support policies to reduce the volatility of prices for farm products and to increase, or at least stabilize, farm income. Subsequently, in food-exporting countries, such as the United States and France, agricultural subsidies have been designed primarily to increase farm income, either by raising the long-term level of prices above free-market levels or by providing direct payments to farmers."
Abstract Discusses the effect of advanced technologies and the increased federal role in farming, as well as government farmsubsidies programs and the acreage reduction program.
From the Paper "In the last thirty years, total farm production in the United States has increased by eighty percent while at the same time this abundance has required less labor, capital, and physical resources to implement. This increase in farm production has been ..."
Abstract Examines definition, purpose of subsidies, effectiveness, impact on consumers and alternatives. .
From the Paper "Introduction
Historically, the family farm in the United States has been considered one of the cornerstones of both the economy and the culture. The pioneers who colonized the West did so on farms and ranches, and the family farm epitomizes American values. In recent years, however, farming has increasingly been influenced by agribusiness, which consists of large corporations bringing economies of scale to huge operations. Commodity prices have fallen, and the smaller farmers are often forced to sell their assets and find other means of employment. This research considers one of the strategies used to stem this trend, price floors, and the economic ramifications of this strategy.
Price Floors
Price floors are minimum prices that the government guarantees farmers. If a ..."
Abstract The paper examines the federal government's program of subsidies to farmers, and reflects on how that impacts consumer costs. In conclusion, the paper finds that what is needed is not an overhaul of the tax system, but rather a reassignment of priorities in government spending.
From the Paper "According to ?"Microeconomic Issues Today", American consumers are essentially paying twice for farm goods. Due to government subsidizing to assure farmers receive adequate income and price floors implemented, we pay higher prices. That is, we are paying for the value of the produce and then a portion that helps pay for the subsidy. We also pay in other ways through our tax dollars. We are paying for the employment of individuals who manage such government programs, which are ultimately enabling farmers. If farmers did not have subsidies to rely on they would be required to determine their own level of outputs, prices, etc, on a regular basis."
Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of energy subsidies and how they have had an effect on society. From giving the companies the influence they need to push drilling legislation to effects on world hunger, energy subsidies have been problematic for the ecology of this nation as well as the world; they have been a distorting force in the market place and have been detrimental to the social condition of this planet. From the pressures to drill ANWR to Third World poverty, energy subsidies have created a superpower out of the resource lobby. The various consequences of the subsidies are chronicled, and several solutions are also presented.
From the Paper "In order to deal with the transition to more renewable sources and a more efficient economy, there is no reason why those who are "environmentally virtuous" should not be rewarded. Belgium has cut sales taxes for energy saving devices by 2/3 of the original amount and conversely has made those who drive inefficient vehicles pay more in road taxes. Denmark and Norway have also tied vehicle size to the amount of taxes paid on them. The best part of this plan is that does not change the amount of taxes paid and does not change a given nations position, meaning that it can be done with only that one nation's interest in mind."
