But it does fall far short of dealing with contemporary issues such as bargaining and contracting rights for farmers and once unimaginable concentration in ag supply and processing. Some may be beyond the scope of the Farm Bill, but agriculture's public leadership must tackle all of them. Logical or not, it's real. A public relations' campaign won't work. Perhaps fostering a food system that is less centralized, less industrial, and more local will.
Agriculture has a positive role to play that goes far beyond ethanol.
It's a very modest tool. A retreat to protectionism is suicide, but tougher, more self-interested negotiating is not. Copyright Meredith Corporation 1997-2001. All rights reserved. Visit the home and family sites from our parent company.