The changing policy environment for the 1990 farm bill

Excerpt

MANY years ago, farming was different than other occupations. It was more a way of life than a business. Farmers were self-sufficient. They bought and sold little. They took to market only what was in excess of their family needs. Despite regional differences, there was a generally recognizable rural culture, tradition, and lifestyle. Farmers were readily distinguishable from other people by speech, dress, and manner.

Farmers were considered unique, and worthily so. They were given preference in the legislative forum. For example, because farmers were special, they were given preferred access to land and water. When general social legislation was enacted, we often excluded agriculture because of its uniqueness. Consider some of the major exclusions sought by and granted to agriculture:

▸ Exemption from a whole set of laws related to hired labor: child labor, working conditions, minimum wages, workmen's compensation, collective-bargaining rights, unemployment insurance.

▸ Preference with respect to determining rates for transportation of farm products.

▸ Exemption from laws regarding the restraint of trade granted to farm cooperatives.

These exclusions have now come under fire. Agriculture is being challenged on all of them, including price and income supports available to farmers, but not to …