The writer pointedly suggested that if American farmers could not make it on their own, without government programs, then they should find another line of work. While I disagree with the writer, it does not surprise me to see such opinions. As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have had to explain my support for farm programs and farm safety nets many times both here in Washington and even in Alabama. I am happy to do so since farmers, though few in number, make significant contributions to all Americans. It is true that they labor under difficult conditions because of their love of the land, but it is equally true that they do so because they love this nation and are willing to sacrifice to make sure America won't have to depend on foreign nations for its food supply.
Farmers understand food is one of our first lines of national defense.
If you can't feed your people, you can't protect them. Perhaps the biggest impact of American farming on our everyday lives are the prices we pay in our local supermarket. Americans enjoy the safest, most reliable, and cheapest food supply in the world. Most Americans can earn enough money in just 40 days to buy groceries for an entire year. On average, we spend 10.9 percent of our income on food.