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The government shouldn’t be involved in farming, but politicians decided decades ago that high and unpredictable food prices could interfer with their re-election chances, and so they began what has come to be known by farmers as ‘the cheap food’ policy. The result is the cheapest, most abundant food in the entire history of the world. I would include the best, but someone pointed out that France does have some of the best, and I’d have to agree. Never-the-less, ours is very tasty.

It may be worth it, from the perspective of what is best for the entire country, but it comes at the expense of the agriculture sector. I’m not convinced it’s in the countries best interest, but an argument could be made supporting that theory.

Think of how gasoline prices have become a political issue important enough for even presidential candidates to be involved in attempting to control. The politicians wanted to avoid that issue coming up with food on an irregular basis, and at the same time attempted to buy the farmer vote back in the 50s and 60s when farmers were a significant voting block.

I’ll be glad to respond further tommorw.

The government shouldn’t be involved in farming, but politicians decided decades ago that high and unpredictable food prices could interfere with their re-election chances, and so they began what has come to be known by farmers as ‘the cheap food’ policy. The result is the cheapest, most abundant food in the entire history of the world.

If you pay farmers not to grow crops, doesn't that actually make food more expensive by reducing supplies? Aren't the farm programs responding to political pressure from farm states that want higher crop prices?

I'm sure it's all more complicated than this, but maybe you could explain.

You’ve given me a brief historical account of the corrupting actions of politicians, but haven’t explained why it should have been that way nor why it should be retained. Taxpayers and farmers don’t exist for the purposes of buying votes and enhancing a politician’s reelection chances.
I could similarly tell you historically why we have the corrupting welfare system we have, but would be unable to defend why it is good policy, why it should be retained, and why taxpayers and ‘the poor’ should serve the reelection chances of politicans.
I fully trust the American farmer to deliver tasty abundant food without bureaucratic interference.
As far as gas prices go, I’d be happy for politicians to leave that market alone also.