Gore says he supports a plan that would increase payments to farmers as crop prices or yields fall and direct them to farmers actually producing crops. He also would increase the amount of federal money available for farm loans. Bush would continue the move to a market-driven farm economy but supports emergency programs to help farmers survive downturns. For example, he supports allowing farmers to set aside income in a tax-deferred account that could be used when prices are down. Bush also favors exempting food from unilateral trade sanctions.
Farmers also are interested in government support for turning grains into fuel.
Bureau members have concerns about Gore's environmental positions and the potential for more regulation, Parker said. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed new restrictions this summer on private lakes, including farm ponds. The regulations would prove costly to farmers, and the Farm Bureau hasn't heard anything from Gore to indicate he would do things differently, Parker said. On the other hand, farmers have been pleased by the Clinton administration's work to establish permanent trade relations with China, he said. Parker hopes both candidates understand that agriculture is one of the foundations of the economy, providing jobs for up to one in five workers, he said.