The administration's support for the bill is a "complete flip-flop" from its earlier criticism of farm subsidies, said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group.
In a 120-page policy statement last fall, the administration said the subsdies stimulate excess production, inflate land rents and largely benefit a relatively small number of big farms. Economists say the new bill does little to address those complaints.
The bill's increased subsidies have angered foreign competitors. The European Union said Thursday it was considering challenging the payments before the World Trade Organization. Under WTO limits, certain U.S. farm subsidies cannot exceed $19.1 billion annually.
"The United States is increasing trade-distorting support for (American) farmers that will harm developing countries. This is what we are fiercely opposed to," EU spokesman Gregor Kreuzhuber.
Canada's agriculture minister, Lyle Vanclief, said the higher subsidies wee a "serious blow to the U.S.'s crediblity" to negotiate lower international trade barriers
Odd choice of terms. Generally speaking, "producers" shouldn't need to be on the dole. Well, as long as the agri-giants,...er...I mean family farmers, get their fair share of tax dollars.
yeah, if we all just stick together and vote for the gop, then we can work on changing it.....
Big government, big farm welfare, thanks gop leadership!
OoooKay.