Rethinking the Equities of Federal Farm Programs

This article explores the need to revisit the justifications for federal farm programs. The author points out that while long-term prospects for the continuation of current price and income support programs are uncertain, the notion of public investment in agriculture should not be wholly dismissed. The author proposes comprehensive policy reform that identifies the continuing value and relevance of federal farm programs to the American people, and restores a sense of direction to the government's support of the agriculture system.