AGRICULTURAL ISSUES

2008 Farm Bill ACRE Program

State-based revenue program that ensures farmers receive a base amount annually

Income Caps$500,000 non-farm$750,000 farm

Opponents concerned with helping the “family farmer”

$35 billion of the $307 billion allocated towards commodity programs

Illegal Immigration Opponents of reform

claim that agriculture has to rely on illegal workers because no one else is willing to do the work.

They claim that food prices can increase as a result of having to increase wages to find enough workers.

Supporters of reform claim that illegal immigrants environmental destruction

National security issues when they are entering country and farmland illegally.

Urbanization CONS

More farmers leaving industry as a result of increased farm value

Less farmers entering industry because of a lack of land available

Food prices could rise due to a shortage of food

PROSIncreases farmland

value for farmers when they choose to sell

Increases labor pool for farmers

More opportunity for people to learn about industry

NAIS Supporters say that

it will limit the spread of animal diseases

They also claim that it will minimize animal losses

Increase U.S. ability to respond to crises quicker

Opponents claim that they do not need it for animals that will be used for at-home consumption.

Organic Farming CONS

Livestock producers aren’t allowed to use antibiotics to treat their sick animals

Opponents claim that producers are already well under the chemical limit set by the federal government

It is quite expensive; both as a consumer and producer

PROS Supporters claim that

the demand for organic products is too great to ignore

Virtually eliminate use of chemicals in production