Department of Agriculture News

Coverage of Department of Agriculture programs, rural policy, and farm legislation. The Daily Signal provides reporting and conservative commentary on agricultural subsidies, food stamp programs, trade policy, and the federal government’s role in farming and rural communities.
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  • opinion

    USDA Is Funneling ‘Trade Aid’ to the Agriculture Sector. It’s Old-Fashioned Corporate Welfare.
    There is renewed hope for trade talks with China—a welcome development for the American economy. But the damage caused by the fight continues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is using the situation as an excuse to funnel more taxpayer money to the agricultural industry. It is spending $16 billion on trade aid for farmers affected…
    Daren Bakst | David Ditch
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  • opinion

    Rejecting Much-Needed Reforms, Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill Favors Status Quo on Costly Subsidies
    The House Agriculture Committee’s farm bill is a complete rejection of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2018 farm bill principles when it comes to farm subsidies. Here are a few examples: USDA principle: “Provide a fiscally responsible farm bill that reflects the administration’s budget goals.” The committee’s farm bill doesn’t include any of the Trump…
    Daren Bakst
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  • opinion

    Responding to a Critic of Having More Freedom in Agriculture
    A former Obama administration official has written a new agricultural study that is critical of The Heritage Foundation’s publication “Farms and Free Enterprise: A Blueprint for Agricultural Policy.” Most of the arguments in this agricultural special interest-sponsored study are the same recycled claims that get trotted out any time someone challenges the farm subsidy status…
    Daren Bakst
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  • opinion

    Senate Agriculture Appropriations Bill Would Expand Crony Handouts for Cotton Industry
    What are Senate appropriators doing to address two new farm programs whose costs are spiraling out of control? They are increasing the costs even more. Cotton growers just can’t seem to get enough handouts, and many Senate appropriators are happy to funnel even more money their way at the expense of taxpayers. The Senate agriculture…
    Daren Bakst
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  • news

    Trump’s Agriculture Chief Tosses Out Michelle Obama’s School Lunch Rules
    Former first lady Michelle Obama’s dictates on school lunches were thrown out Monday by one of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet members. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue signed a proclamation to begin to undo federal standards that the Obama administration placed on lunches in public schools and return those decisions to local schools. “This announcement is the…
    Rachel del Guidice
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  • opinion

    10 Free Market Principles That Could Transform Agriculture
    Agriculture policy affects all Americans. From policies that drive up food prices to government control of your dietary decisions, it warrants significant attention. Unfortunately, central planning has been entrenched in agriculture policy for more than 80 years. The 2014 farm bill didn’t change that reality. When it comes to agriculture, many legislators ignore any free-market…
    Daren Bakst
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