Freshman Economics: Farm Policy Reform Benefits Farmers Represented by Most New Members of Congress, Study Shows
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
(
The study, “Freshman Economics: Subsidy Reform Would Help More Farmers in Freshman Districts,” shows that farmers in 36 out of 55 freshman congressional districts would receive more support from USDA by shifting “direct” payments to provide more funding for voluntary USDA conservation programs. In addition, farmers in 12 districts would see little or no change from farm policy reform proposals.
Congress is debating a new five-year Farm Bill this summer and the House Agriculture Committee will consider whether to extend the current Farm Bill next week.
“Helping farmers help the environment would also ensure that more farmers and more regions receive a fair share of federal farm spending,” said
Unlike farm subsidies linked to market conditions, direct payments are subsidies linked to a farmer’s production history and paid regardless of current crop prices or production. Most farmers do no grow crops eligible for the direct payments, and the largest 10 percent of direct payment recipients collect 60 percent of all payments.
Environmental Defense examined three scenarios — shifting $10 billion, $15 billion, and $20 billion over five years to USDA conservation programs — and found that farmers represented by following freshman members of the House from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin would benefit:
Democrats
Gabrielle Giffords (D-Tucson/Sierra
Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton/Stockton, CA)
Joe Courtney (D-Enfield/Norwich/Danielson, CT)
Christopher S. Murphy (D-New
Kathy Castor (
Ron Klein (D-Ft. Lauderdale/West
Tim Mahoney (
Mazie K. Hirono (
John A. Yarmuth (
John P. Sarbanes (D-Annapolis/Towson, MD)
Keith Ellison (
Paul W. Hodes (
Carol Shea-Porter (D- Manchester/Dover, NH)
Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica/Auburn/Cortland, NY)
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (
John J. Hall (D-Goshen/Carmel, NY)
Heath Shuler (
Zachary T. Space (
Charles A. Wilson (D-Canfield/Marietta/Bridgeport, OH)
Jason Altmire (D-Aliquippa/Natrona Heights, PA)
Christopher P. Carney (D-Clarks Summit/Shamokin/Williamsport, PA)
Patrick J. Murphy (D-Bristol/Doylestown, PA)
Joe Sestak (
Ciro Rodriquez (D-San Antonio/Fort
Peter Welch (
Steve Kagen MD (D-Appleton/Green Bay, WI)
Republicans
Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield/Atascadero, CA)
Doug Lamborn (
Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Temple Terrace, FL)
Vern Buchanan (R-Bradenton/Sarasota, FL)
Bill Sali (R-Boise/Caldwell/Coeur d’Alene/
Peter J. Roskam (
Michele Bachmann (R-Woodbury/St. Cloud/Waite Park Office, MN)
Dean Heller (R-Reno/Elko/Las Vegas, NV)
Mary Fallin (R-Oklahoma City/Shawnee, OK)
David Davis (
“Reforming farm policies would allow many more farmers to participate in USDA conservation programs,” Faber said. “Two out of three farmers are turned away when they offer to share the cost of clean water and wildlife habitat because of our misplaced spending priorities.”
For a breakdown of how farmers in freshman congressional districts would fare under these scenarios and to see the full report, visit www.environmentaldefense.org/farms.
###
Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, Environmental Defense has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems. www.environmentaldefense.org
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
U.S. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Investments, Jobs Continue to Grow
August 20, 2024 -
Public Interest Groups Defend SEC’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rule
August 15, 2024 -
Puerto Rico Hit by Tropical Storm Ernesto
August 14, 2024 -
La Tormenta Tropical Ernesto toca tierra en Puerto Rico
August 14, 2024 -
Localized air monitoring in New York’s disadvantaged communities underscores the need for immediate action to cut air pollution
August 14, 2024 -
Appeals Court Rejects Attempt to Block Mercury and Air Toxics Protections
August 6, 2024