Here are some refreshing farm bill developments, in light of last week's retrograde move by a House agriculture subcommittee to throw more billions of your bucks in this direction for another five years.

THIS JUST IN: Citizens Against Government Waste proclaimed said subcommittee members "Porkers of the Month."

OXFAM STUDY: AFRICAN FARMERS STAND TO GAIN FROM COTTON SUBSIDY REFORM
Our friends at Oxfam have done terrific work to keep the heat on the U.S. subsidy system, and the report launched today is but the latest contribution.

A typical cotton producing household in West Africa has about 10 family members, an average life expectancy of about 48 years and an adult literacy rate of less than 25 percent. Cotton is often the only source of cash income for these families who live on less than $1 a day per person. Added income from increased cotton prices could make a world of difference, according to Oxfam. The study found that with a complete removal of US cotton subsidies, the world price of cotton would increase by 6-14%, prices that West African farmers would receive for their cotton would increase by 5-12%, and household income would increase by 2.3 to 5.7%. This increase would result in additional income that could cover all health care costs of four to ten individuals for an entire year, or schooling costs for one to ten children, or a one year supply of food for one or two children.

“This data clearly exposes the hypocrisy of our policies, giving international aid with one hand and taking with the other through unfair trade rules,” said Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America. “With Congress looking at the Farm Bill right now, and renewed interest in the Doha round, this study shows how reform could help millions of poor people who are ready to lift themselves out of poverty through farming and fair trade.”

As Celia Dugger summarized it in this morning's NYT:

Oxfam has acknowledged that cotton farmers in West Africa are contending with many problems beyond American subsidies. Cotton prices have declined, production costs have risen and yields in Africa have stagnated.

“Subsidy reform alone will not resolve all the challenges facing the cotton sector,” Oxfam said. “But it could significantly ease the burden on poor cotton farmers struggling to support their families.”

HALF OF CALIFORNIA'S CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION STANDS UP
FOR FARM BILL REFORM
Hat tip to the California Coalition for Food and Farming for whipping a great letter from 26 of the state's representatives in the U.S. House, urging an extension of the same old, tired, wasteful subsidy system established in 2002 that totally screws California.

Not! Check it out (from the Coalition's release):

In a strong show of unity, 26 members of the California Congressional delegation representing urban and suburban districts have joined together to urge House Agricultural Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) for major reforms in the 2007 Farm Bill. In a letter today to the leadership of the House Ag Committee, the Congressional delegation expanded its traditional focus on food stamp and nutrition programs, and advocated for a significant expansion of programs that increase markets for organic, family and beginning farmers, promote healthier local food systems, and provide farmers the resources they need to protect our environment and preserve our farmland. Despite widespread support, these programs have failed to garner sufficient mandatory funding levels in the House subcommittee mark up process. House Ag Committee members will have an opportunity to consider further amendments on these programs in full committee mark up later this month.

Do go on!

“California’s urban members of Congress are hearing from their constituents that they want a serious reprioritization of Farm Bill funding. Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to create a new urban-rural partnership that supports sustainable agriculture and links California’s specialty crop growers need for markets with schools’ and low income communities’ need for healthier food,” said Kari Hamerschlag, policy director for the California Coalition for Food and Farming, which, with the California Food and Justice Coalition, worked to garner support among the delegation

Thanks for sending this along, Kari. This move rocks!

Help Kari and the gang get the other half of California's reps on board by signing up for their action alerts.