Now's the time to revisit ACGA's 2003 Food Policy Statement

by Keith Dittrich, Chairman 

I would like to take this opportunity to address a broader subject than just farming or ranching.  That is the general state of our entire food system in this country, and for the most part, rapidly becoming the food system of the entire world.  Ladies and gentleman the food system in the United States of America is broken and is rapidly deteriorating further.  This dysfunctional food system is one that is wreaking untold havoc around the world and partly to blame for the many serious global problems of our day both economic and societal.

The goal of food, farm, and trade policy should be a globally sustainable and adequate supply of wholesome food at affordable prices. A family farm system is the most effective means to provide safe and quality food, diversity of production, equitable social and economic opportunity, and preservation of land, water, and bio-diversity. The National Family Farm Coalition’s food and farm policy proposal, called the Food from Family Farms Act (FFFA), is the foundation for a new sustainable family farm system.

The objective of this study was to conduct 500 telephone interviews with corn producers who have a minimum of 100 acres of corn planted.  They were asked how much corn they planted last year and this current year.  Then they were asked some questions on wind energy and climate change.

Robinson and Muenster Associates, Inc. (RMA) conducted these interviews with corn producers in the U.S. to evaluate the level of producer awareness and perception regarding wind energy and climate change.

The following tables were first researched and compiled in 1999.  They are updated annually midway through the current crop-marketing year.  They are intended to be helpful in farm and food policy analysis and debate. These tables are compiled to give a concise, summarized history of important and interconnected statistics affecting U.S. crop farmers extending back to 1975.  This was judged to be the...

The following discussion document is derived from an internal document submitted to Oxfam America in 2003 in response to questions on US and global agricultural policy. The subjects of farm price, farm subsidies, agricultural policy, and family farming are often complex issues, difficult for both the public and policy makers to understand.

It is hoped that this short document will be useful in stimulating and focusing international debate regarding food production, family agriculture, and international trade policy.

Developed and developing country agricultural policies have become a focal point for international trade divisions.

Consumer Food Price up nearly 250% since 1975- 1979. Source of All Data:  USDA Economic Research Service

Adam Smith was born in Scotland in 1723, and studied at Glasgow University, followed by six years at Oxford. He was appointed professor of logic at Glasgow University in 1751. His classic book,“ The Wealth of Nations”, was published in 1776. It is often quoted - many times by those arguing for less or no regulation of the markets by government.