Subsidies in agriculture are widespread, varied and controversial - also in the European Union or Switzerland. In the USA, however, subsidies are distributed particularly generously. The more land you own, the more subsidies you receive. Many farmers understandably welcome this system.
But even among farmers there are critical voices. John Phipps’s farm in Illinois receives over USD 100,000 in subsidies a year. However, John is against the payment of subsidies that do not contain a legitimate justification. He considers it irresponsible that the subsidies are only linked to the number of acres of land a farmer owns. This merely encourages farmers to use the extra money to buy more land, grow and receive even more subsidies. In his view, it would make much more sense if further conditions such as compliance with environmental protection measures were required for the receipt of subsidies.
At least, export subsidies for products from agricultural surpluses have been largely abolished in the meantime. In the past, these were exported cheaply or even free of charge to developing countries, where they destroyed the local markets.
However, the main reason given by the protagonists of this clip for the generous subsidies is to secure the votes of farmers. They traditionally vote Republican and President Trump has massively expanded agricultural subsidies during his term of office. This means that not only farmers but also politicians are the winners of this protectionist subsidy policy.
Listen to what farmer John Phipps thinks of the subsidies and get an idea of what a farm that receives such huge amounts of subsidies looks like.
