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
(05-02) 10:16 PDT (AP) --
"We all know that Freedom to Farm didn't work," said Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Mo. "While no farmer wants to depend on the government for anything, it is critical that we provide a safety net to our producers."
The bill would authorize $180 billion in spending over the next 10 years, a $73.5 billion increase over existing programs. The legislation provides new payments for everything from milk and lentils to honey and wool.
Also, there is an 80 percent increase in land-conservation programs that will benefit livestock farms and fruit and vegetable growers who have historically received little federal cash.
The bill would pump billions of dollars into the economies of Plains and Southern states that are critical for Republicans. It has been praised by groups including the National Milk Producers Federation, United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation.