September 2006
In November and December 2005, 3,000 Ohio farmers were randomly selected for a survey regarding issues and policies that could be topics during the 2007 Farm Bill debate. A total of 622 returned surveys were determined to be useable for this analysis. Major findings are:
1. The goals for the farm bill that Ohio farmers most support are (1) “to enhance opportunities for small and beginning farms; (2) “to reduce U.S. dependency on non-renewable energy sources;” and (3) “to assure a safe, secure, abundant, and affordable food supply.”
2. Two goals that directly speak to the economic situation of farmers and historically are associated with farm bills, “enhance farm income” and “reduce price and income risk” had net support of approximately 50% but nevertheless ranked near or at the bottom among the eight goals listed in question A-1. Thus, among Ohio farmers, the goals of the farm bill extend beyond farm income and risk.
3. No consensus exists regarding which crop support programs should be cut if cuts are needed.
4. If farm support programs are removed, a large share of Ohio farmers believe their financial situation will be worse off after five years.
5. Among potential new programs, bioenergy production received the most support followed by assistance and funding for food safety programs.
6. Farmers who receive payments from a program are more likely to support the program than farmers who do not receive payments from the program.
7. Ohio farmers are divided on whether farm program payments are capitalized into land values.
8. As a group, Ohio farmers support provision of technical and financial assistance for addressing environmental problems associated with farming.
9. Ohio farmers support for further free trade agreements is mixed.
10. As a group, Ohio farmers want labeling and traceability explored as food system options.
To view the complete paper go to:
http://aede.osu.edu/resources/docs/pdf/UNT91BB4-IG5J-8M1U-PX6XTYA24SL4I2UG.pdf