via a special arrangement with Informa Economics, Inc.
The likely end zone for important farm bill issues
NOTE: This column is copyrighted material, therefore reproduction or retransmission is prohibited under U.S. copyright laws. |
The following are my new farm bill predictions based on sources close to the topics discussed:
If Super Committee comes up with at least $1.2 trillion in debt reduction over ten years, farm bill will be part of the package
Likely move to making farm program payments on planted and not base acres
Move to revenue assurance programs subsidized by gov’t, in return for eliminating direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, ACRE and SURE
Problem getting programs to fit with rice and peanuts | May take several years for viable crop insurance program for rice – those producers may be given program option | Peanuts have bigger problem with crop insurance than rice
Gross margin, supply-management dairy program likely part of farm bill
More agriculture budget cuts in future years beyond farm bill-related cuts if US economy remains tepid
Conservation Reserve Program maximum acres now at 32 million will be lowered to 25-28 million ac.
Nutrition program cuts will be made but mostly administrative cost savings | SNAP benefits won’t be cut
Payment cap issues will be dealt with after farm program details are agreed on
Lack of open farm bill process could lead to unintended consequences
Goal of equitable farm bill for regions and commodities may not be met
NOTE: This column is copyrighted material, therefore reproduction or retransmission is prohibited under U.S. copyright laws. |
