Agricultural Economics Department
Date of this Version
1-14-2000
Abstract
Freedom to Farm legislation enacted in 1996 was widely perceived as a dramatic step toward a more market oriented farm policy which would create a producer decision environment more conducive to competitive adjustments. Enacted in a time of high market prices and large exports of agricultural products, the transition payments were initially larger than deficiency payments would have provided. Generally, this legislation received strong support from Midwestern and Central Plains states. However, final passage was secured through concessions to legislators from other regions.
Comments
Prepared for presentation at Producer Marketing and Risk Management: Frontiers for the 21st Century. A Conferences Sponsored by the Food and Agricultural Marketing Policy Section of the American Agricultural Economics Association January 13 and 14, 2000. Copyright 2000 by Keith H. Coble, Thomas O. Knight, George F. Patrick, and Alan E. Baquet. Used by permission.