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When you think of agricultural subsidies, your mind probably doesn’t jump to rising obesity rates or the climate crisis.
Yet, here we are, facing down the harsh reality that our food and agricultural policies may be doing just that—ruining our climate and our health. For anyone who has been with us for some time, this isn’t news, but it is worth revisiting some of the details.
Currently, U.S. agricultural subsidies are geared toward commodity crops like corn and soybeans, which largely end up as processed foods or animal feed rather than the fruits and vegetables most dietary experts recommend. These choices, believe it or not, don’t just impact our waistlines—they impact our planet, too.
America’s life expectancy is falling behind other developed countries, and ultra-processed food is a major culprit. It’s no secret that diets high in processed foods contribute to chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Unfortunately, the current Farm Bill subsidies incentivize the production of the very crops that are likely to end up in those processed foods. This isn’t just a food issue; it’s a health crisis in the making.
But it’s not just our health on the line. The environmental costs are staggering. A study by Harvard found that U.S. agriculture contributes one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions. Those same agricultural practices degrade soil, pollute air and water, and increase antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These environmental impacts make it even tougher to grow enough food for a population that keeps climbing.
As Congress negotiates a new Farm Bill, the stakes couldn’t be higher. This bill could shift subsidies to support crops that benefit both our bodies and the planet. That means more support for nutrient-dense options like beans, lentils, and leafy greens, and less for carbon-heavy, processed food ingredients.
Imagine a world where the healthiest foods aren’t the most expensive options on the menu—that’s the potential power of a reformed Farm Bill.
The reality is, this bill is about more than just what ends up on your dinner plate. Experts argue that to fight both climate change and the obesity epidemic, the bill needs to support sustainable practices. By funding conservation programs and climate-smart agricultural policies like regenerative agriculture, Congress could give farmers the tools to reduce their environmental impact while still producing affordable, high-quality food.
But as with any major policy overhaul, there’s pushback. Critics claim that reducing subsidies for large-scale, commodity-crop farms will harm rural economies. However, data shows that it’s the largest farms—and wealthiest corporations—benefiting the most under the current system. Shifting some of that support to smaller, independent farmers could democratize agricultural subsidies and help promote a healthier food system.
The key takeaway? Doctors and climate scientists have been warning us for decades, but the onus has been placed on individuals to “eat healthier” and “be eco-friendly.” This Farm Bill gives Congress a rare opportunity to move the needle toward systemic change.
Will we take it? Or will we find ourselves looking back in 2029 (the Farm Bill is typically negotiated every 5 years), wondering why we missed the chance? The choice is clear, but only time will tell if we’re brave enough to make it.
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