2008 Farm Bill  ACRE Program State-based revenue program that ensures farmers receive a base amount annually  Income Caps $500,000 non-farm $750,000 farm  Opponents concerned with helping the “family farmer”  $35 billion of the $307 billion allocated towards commodity programs

Illegal Immigration  Opponents of reform claim that agriculture has to rely on illegal workers because no one else is willing to do the work.  They claim that food prices can increase as a result of having to increase wages to find enough workers.  Supporters of reform claim that illegal immigrants environmental destruction  National security issues when they are entering country and farmland illegally.

Urbanization  CONS More farmers leaving industry as a result of increased farm value Less farmers entering industry because of a lack of land available Food prices could rise due to a shortage of food  PROS Increases farmland value for farmers when they choose to sell Increases labor pool for farmers More opportunity for people to learn about industry

NAIS  Supporters say that it will limit the spread of animal diseases  They also claim that it will minimize animal losses  Increase U.S. ability to respond to crises quicker  Opponents claim that they do not need it for animals that will be used for at-home consumption.

Organic Farming  CONS Livestock producers aren’t allowed to use antibiotics to treat their sick animals Opponents claim that producers are already well under the chemical limit set by the federal government It is quite expensive; both as a consumer and producer  PROS Supporters claim that the demand for organic products is too great to ignore Virtually eliminate use of chemicals in production