What Doesn't Kill You
Farm Bill 2023: Get the Skinny
Sep 15, 2023
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.
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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