The 2002 Farm Bill

Playing Favorites: The 2002 Farm Bill

• The 2002 Farm Bill provides financial support to farmers who grow certain crops, namely:
  • Corn
  • Soybeans
  • Wheat
  • Peas
  • Chickpeas
  • Peanuts
  • Other grains
• These farmers receive financial support if the prices of these products decline significantly.
• The dairy industry also receives financial support to offset low milk prices.
• Farmers who grow the following do not receive crop supports:
  • Produce
  • Tree nuts
  • Fruit
• States that specialize in fruit, produce, and nuts (e.g., Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, California) receive little to no financial aid.
• The inequities in government agricultural subsidies are encouraging farmers to sell their land to developers of residential properties in record numbers.
• The 2002 Farm Bill includes more environmental standards than previous bills.
• New regulations impose restrictions on the use of chemicals and timing patterns.
• Due to new restrictions, many farmers are hiring outside companies to handle pest protection and fertilization.
• Laws on animal waste removal and treatment have been strengthened for farmers raising:
  • Hogs
  • Cattle
  • Dairy cows
  • Sheep
• These farmers must find new ways to prevent waste products from entering the groundwater supply.
• Environmentalists have fought for these new regulations to protect the environment from harmful farming practices.
• California farmers have long adhered to strict farming laws and generally use environmentally friendly techniques.
• Farmers in other states face significant expenses and financial setbacks to comply with the new restrictions.