meghanb123
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05:42:39 pm on November 3, 2008 | # |
While many of us do not hear about the presidential candidates’ views on farming, to those in the farming community it is crucial to be knowledgeable about the choices they would make in regards bills, such as the US Farm Bill, trading, taxes, relief and alternative energy. The US Farm Bill, which was already passed and is now called the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, is composed of three main parts: Average Crop Revenue Election, funding for conservation and working lands programs and funding for local food programs. Obama supported this bill and emphasised the importance of insurance, disaster relief and farming programs. McCain vetoed the bill and said he would reform the current crop insurance program, but would work on foreign market access to farmers. Obama has set specific goals for the amounts of biofuels he would like to have in the near future, whereas McCain suggested increasing oil supplies to decrease fuel costs for the short term. He suggested development of alternative energies and offshore drilling for a long term solution. Obama has encourageda ban that would make it illegal for meat packers to also own livestock, preventing these large corporations from manipulating prices. He also encourages labeling food with its country of origin and promotes organic and locally grown food. In regards to taxes, McCain would exempt farms up to $10 million from estate taxes and drop rates, whereas Obama said only farms worth up to $7 million should be exempt. Obama has also developed a program encouraging young people to become involved in farming. Both candidates have agreed to alter immigration laws to ensure farm hands are available.
