WomenMatter will continuously post updates on all this and other issues as we monitor the continuing philosophical and practical debates nationwide. Please check back often for updates.
Past updates are available for reference on the Jobs, Taxes & Benefits Archives page.
History of farm subsidies
Major government involvement in the farm economy began in 1929, when President Herbert Hoover (1929-1933) created the federal Farm Board. The board had trouble meeting the growing challenges of the Depression, but its creation represented the first national commitment to provide more economic stability for farmers.
The next president, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, moved national agricultural policy far beyond the Hoover initiative. Roosevelt created, and Congress passed, laws designed to raise farm prices by limiting production. They also guaranteed farmers a "parity" price roughly equal to what prices should be during favorable market times. In years of overproduction, when crop prices fell below the parity level, the government agreed to buy the excess.
These subsidies continue to this day, but they have a new effect on the global marketplace.
About WomenMatter
WomenMatter is a place to discuss life issues with other women. We don't want to wedge women apart, but rather bring them together to dialogue.
WomenMatter is the place where we can take one issue at a time, match what we do about it every day of our lives to the facts of the bigger system that we all live in and recognize that every idea for making it better has tradeoffs.
WomenMatter is dedicated to engaging women in the political process. To do this we have invested in the most in-depth NONPARTISAN information, because we trust each woman to make up her own mind.
- We track nine issues every week and update this website several times a week.
- We do continuous research to make sure that we are meeting the needs of women across the country of all ages, races, incomes, preferences, and religions.
- To explore our archive of past Environment Life Issue updates, click here.
We offer all our services free of charge without memberships or subscriptions. To help us maintain this work - not just in election years but as a continuing part of women’s lives - please make a tax deductible donation, click here.
Article Posted on: 8/5/2006
