Tom Philpott, award winning journalist and author, returns to discuss the Farm Bill. The topics covered include the history and challenges of the food stamp and farm support coalition, proposed acts to protect smaller farmers, lack of funding for BIPOC farmers, supply chain issues, worker protection, rural development and broadband access. The podcast also explores the need to revamp the Farm Bill and reflects on age and term limits in Congress.
The SNAP program, despite facing potential cuts, plays a vital role in providing food assistance to those in need and will continue to face increased spending due to food inflation.
The political dynamics in Congress, particularly the rise of the Freedom Caucus, have disrupted the farm bill and led to instability, making it challenging to pass a conventional bill that addresses important issues such as justice for farmers and poultry grower fairness.
Deep dives
Increased expense of the farm bill driven by SNAP program spending
The main driver of increased spending in the farm bill is the SNAP program, which provides crucial food assistance to those in need. During the pandemic, SNAP played a vital role in supporting individuals and families affected by economic hardships. Although Congress has passed relief bills, the price tag of SNAP will continue to rise due to food inflation. However, there is a contingent in the US House, mainly composed of the Freedom Caucus, that aims to slash SNAP benefits. Despite their efforts, a bill that significantly reduces SNAP benefits is unlikely to pass the Senate or get President Biden's signature.
The coalition between food stamps and farm support programs
Historically, the farm bill combined the food stamp program (now SNAP) and farm support programs into one omnibus bill. This coalition brought together farm state representatives who supported subsidies for growers and representatives from urban areas who championed food assistance. However, this coalition faced challenges with the rise of the Tea Party and the subsequent formation of the Freedom Caucus. These groups do not prioritize either food assistance or farm subsidies and have disrupted the farm bill, leading to instability and uncertainty in recent years.
Challenges and chaos in passing a conventional farm bill
Passing a conventional farm bill faces numerous challenges and significant uncertainty due to political dynamics and ongoing chaos in Washington. Speaker McCarthy's current focus on impeaching President Biden, driven by the Freedom Caucus, has contributed to the disruption. While there are marker bills proposed to address important issues such as justice for black farmers, poultry grower fairness, and farmland for farmers, the prospects of incorporating these into the farm bill seem low given the current political climate. However, the momentum for maintaining the status quo farm bill with preserved SNAP and subsidies appears stronger.
The need for alignment between commodity and conservation programs
To revolutionize agriculture policy and address climate challenges, there is a need to align commodity and conservation programs, which currently work at odds with each other. Instead of propping up unsustainable practices, farmers could be incentivized to adopt conservation practices. For example, requiring farmers to keep a significant portion of their land covered in the off-season months using cover crops, crop rotations, or permanent pasture. This would support soil conservation and water quality while also providing a farm safety net. However, these ideas face significant political opposition and would require a shift in the existing system.
Award winning journalist and author, and favorite guest, Tom Philpott returns to talk all things Farm Bill. What will change, what is new, and what is, sigh, same old, same old?
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