Home / Business and Economy / US Farm Aid Skews Big: Small Growers Struggle
US Farm Aid Skews Big: Small Growers Struggle
4 Dec
Summary
- Millions faced food insecurity due to SNAP suspension.
- USDA programs favor large farms over small ones.
- Canceled grants hurt small farmers' income significantly.
The US food system is facing significant failures, notably the recent temporary suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This event left millions of Americans scrambling for food, turning to local farmers for support.
However, many small farmers are also in financial peril due to USDA programs that disproportionately benefit large-scale agricultural operations. Policies and subsidies are structured around commodity crops and acreage, leaving smaller, family-owned farms at a disadvantage.
Furthermore, the cancellation of crucial programs like Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance has severed vital income streams for small producers, exacerbating their precarious situation and highlighting a need for policy reform to support family farms.
