Question: It seems every year we hear about American grain surpluses and the intentional destruction of good grain. With so many developing nations facing food crises and many people starving, couldn't that surplus be shipped where it is needed?
Submitted from Lynn of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin through PBS Online (10/19/00)
Answer from Patrick J. Buchanan:
Solution to Grain Surplus
Lynn, your suggestion is very thoughtful and charitable.
America is often the first on the scene of tragedy and leads the way in charitable donations; giving billions each year to help out the impoverished or disaster-stricken people at home and abroad.
Unfortunately, the cost of your proposal makes it virtually impossible to accomplish. The farmers who have produced the grain are also suffering. They have, in most cases, taken out extensive seed loans and have to watch as their way of life rots in the fields. Shipping, storage and harvesting the grain also adds to the cost of the food donation. A private citizen or foundation could choose to pay those costs and work out an arrangement with the owner of the grain, but the federal government could not seize private property for charitable purposes.
America must help our farmers bring that grain to foreign markets by negotiating trade deals with leverage to open those markets to U.S. agricultural products. With improved market access, the family farms would be able to survive and again become profitable.
Related Readings
A Family Farm Bill of Rights
On the Issues: Agriculture
| 
Today's Rolling Cyber Debate Question for Patrick J. Buchanan
copyright © 1998 - 2002 Markle Foundation | Online presence by mindshare Internet Campaigns LLC.