While FAIR has implications for cotton, wheat, and dairy agriculture, it does not directly affect our alfalfa, fruit, vegetable, or beef sectors. Farm policy observers wondered how Congress might react if commodity prices tumbled. The 1998 experience gives some clues. When commodity prices fell, the government increased disaster payments, made 1999 transition payments under the FAIR act available to farmers in 1998, and added a one-time increase to transition payments. Although the government did not revert to the old methods of subsidies, it did find a way to benefit farmers in hard times.
History seems to be on the side of continued subsidies, although the form changes.
New Technology Adoption of new technology will help meet several of the challenges facing Arizona agriculture. Historically, Arizona farmers have been early adopters of new technologies, including laser leveling, drip irrigation, Bt cottons, and insect growth regulators. Informed, innovative farm managers, as well as price and yield incentives, helped spur early, widespread adoption. Progressive farm management already in place will help assure the use of new technology in the next decade. New developments in precision implements, communication, and computer technology promise to change some farming activities.