A coalition of small-government, anti-tax, and anti-waste groups says the 2018 farm law should abolish many of the subsidies now available to producers and “only provide risk-related assistance for uncontrollable natural events,” such as major crop losses. “Farmers — especially those with operations with a million dollars or more in sales that account for most agricultural production — are more than capable of competing in the marketplace,” say the 15 groups in a letter to lawmakers.
The coalition says its members, who include Heritage Action, Club for Growth, National Taxpayers Union, and Council for Citizens Against Government Waste, “pledge to be active in the upcoming farm bill debate.” The groups endorse three guidelines for the farm bill: Free competition in the marketplace, no cronyism, and federal action only to alleviate disaster.
The principles could mean elimination of so-called marketing orders for fresh produce, an end to farm supports except disaster relief, abolition of crop insurance policies that assure a minimum level of revenue, and making participation voluntary in farmer-funded research and promotion programs.
The letter by the conservative groups is a counter-weight to farm groups seeking larger funding for the farm bill and preservation of the federally subsidized crop insurance system.
To read the two-page letter, click here.