Why Are Farmers Subsidized?

Subsidies protect the nation's food supply. Farms are susceptible to pathogens, diseases, and weather. Subsidies help farmers weather commodities' price changes. Farmers rely on loans, making their business a bit of a gamble.

Why is farming so heavily subsidized?

Dale Moore, executive director for public policy, outlined the function of farm subsidies in general: They're a safety net and a risk management tool whose purpose is to ensure a stable and affordable food supply, given that farmers have no control over the price of their crops, or the weather.

Is it bad to subsidize farmers?

Farm subsidies are intended to raise farmer incomes by remedying low crop prices. Instead, they promote overproduction and therefore lower prices further. ... Instead, they cost Americans billions each year in higher taxes and higher food costs.