Bigger Farms or Cleaner Streams?
If you missed it on Sunday, the Minneapolis Star Tribune ran an excellent editorial [reg required] on the 2007 Farm Bill that lays out the need for reform from the conservation angle.
In 2005 the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent more than $100 million in crop subsidies to southern Minnesota, including $1.7 million to a single corporate farm. Meanwhile, scores of farmers who wanted help converting to organic and conservation agriculture were turned away for lack of funds.This is a terrible expression of national priorities and an indefensible misuse of the taxpayer's money. It must change as Congress finishes work on major farm legislation this fall, and Minnesota's two U.S. senators are in a position to help as action moves to the Senate this month.
Very modest changes in the big farm programs could give Minnesota cleaner trout streams, improved wildlife habitat and a healthier food supply.
Also, CNBC's Business Nation will be running this in-depth 12 minute package on farm subsidies throughout September that features EWG.
