Reduction of Farm Subsidies Called For By U.S. Bishops

Posted by Elise Hilton

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, along with the Catholic Relief Services and National Catholic Rural Life Conference, have issued a joint letter urging Congress to reduce agricultural subsidies, and limit crop insurance to small and medium sized farms. The Bishops are concerned that anti-hunger programs in the U.S. might be targeted for budget cuts.

If savings need to be achieved, cuts to agricultural subsidies and direct payments should be considered before cutting anti-hunger programs that help feed poor and vulnerable people. Given current high commodity prices and federal budget constraints, subsidies and direct payments can be reduced and targeted to small and moderate-sized farms.