Congress had its first chance in six years to reform the economically incoherent farm program. Rather than fix the program, lawmakers irrationally increased subsidies. Below are price increases for the most heavily subsidized crops, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. These five crops are responsible for approximately 90% of all farm subsidies. Market Prices of the Five Most-Subsidized Crops Crop Unit Price During 2002 Farm Bill Debate Price During 2008 Farm Bill Debate Price Increase 2008 Farm Bill Response* Rice ($/cwt) $3.88 $14.80 281% Level, no significant cuts All …
