It bears noting that the DOAG qualifies the food we eat as "specialty crops." Tomatoes, lettuce, apples, carrots...are all "specialty crops." So the share of $12B bailouts for commodity crops, is next to zero for small farmers growing for local coops, CSAs, farmer markets, food hubs, and schools.
In late 2025 Scott Bessent insulted farmers by claiming to be one himself. He owned soybean farms in North Dakota. Maybe he still owns the farms, but he was supposed to divest in them after joining the Trump administration. And I would be willing to bet he cashed in on those $12B in bailouts.
DOAG is not supporting small farms, and in that failure, is continuing to hobble the local food systems...which were broken to begin with.
It bears noting that the DOAG qualifies the food we eat as "specialty crops." Tomatoes, lettuce, apples, carrots...are all "specialty crops." So the share of $12B bailouts for commodity crops, is next to zero for small farmers growing for local coops, CSAs, farmer markets, food hubs, and schools.
In late 2025 Scott Bessent insulted farmers by claiming to be one himself. He owned soybean farms in North Dakota. Maybe he still owns the farms, but he was supposed to divest in them after joining the Trump administration. And I would be willing to bet he cashed in on those $12B in bailouts.
DOAG is not supporting small farms, and in that failure, is continuing to hobble the local food systems...which were broken to begin with.
Purpose, People, Planet and Prosperity....and the 5th, Policy.
Thank you for bringing our attention to this basic fundamental need for life Meredith.
Air, Water, Food are basic needs and non-negotiable.
Tom is "fundamentally reshaping (or reminding us of) of the world works.
Relying on our communities and small farmers rather than our administrations, is certainly part of the solution to food insecurity.
Tom’s a transformative thought leader and enormous support for small farmers in our region
Agree
Plus, and not unrelated, a delight to have a beer with