Conservative proposals to cut federal support for farmers might face significant opposition from agricultural groups and their constituents.
Lisa Held reports for Civil Eats.
In short:
- Project 2025 and the Republican Study Committee suggest eliminating or reducing key conservation programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
- These proposals aim to cut spending on crop insurance subsidies and limit commodity payments, affecting farmers who rely on these programs.
- Despite past resistance to similar cuts, the increasing influence of fiscal conservatives within the Republican Party might push these changes forward.
Key quote:
“It can be kind of a death spiral type thing, where fewer farmers can get the funds, so the Congressional Budget Office projects less spending, so the baseline shrinks.”
— Jonathan Coppess, director of the Gardner Agriculture Policy Program
Why this matters:
These proposals aim to cut down on federal support and promote free-market solutions, which could leave many farmers scrambling. Read more: Farmers of color need climate action now. The farm bill is our best hope.
