When we think about the food on our tables or the clothes on our backs, we rarely connect them to the people who make it all possible — the farmers. Yet, less than 2% of the U.S. population is responsible for feeding and providing resources for not just America but much of the world.
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| Illustration:Jianan Liu/HuffPost; Photo:Getty Imags. Courtesy of Stefanie Smallhouse |
As the nation heads toward another election season, it’s crucial to consider how policies, especially those affecting agriculture, impact not just farmers but everyone. This is a critical message from Stefanie Smallhouse, the state president of the Arizona Farm Bureau, who highlights the vital role of farmers and the challenges they face.
This blog post will explore the essential issues affecting agriculture today and why they should be a central consideration when casting your vote.
The Hidden Struggles of America's Farmers
To most of us, the grocery store shelves always seem stocked, and we rarely think about the complex system that keeps them that way. But behind the scenes, farmers are grappling with challenges that threaten their ability to continue producing the food we rely on. These issues don’t just affect farmers — they affect all of us.
Inflation and Rising Costs
Inflation has hit everyone hard, but its impact on farmers is particularly severe. Take dairy farming as an example. It’s easy to assume that when the price of milk or yogurt goes up by 15%, dairy farmers are reaping the benefits.
However, the reality is much different. While prices for consumers have risen, the costs of production for farmers — from feed to equipment — have increased even more. As a result, many dairy farmers are operating on razor-thin margins, barely staying afloat.
This is just one example of how inflation can devastate small agricultural businesses. Farmers who can’t afford to stay in business mean fewer goods on the shelves, higher prices, and potentially a food supply that isn’t as reliable as it once was.
Regional Challenges
Not all farmers face the same challenges, and one-size-fits-all policies can make things worse. For example, in Arizona, ranchers have had difficulty accessing drought relief programs because those programs were designed for other regions. Policies meant to help farmers need to account for the vast differences in geography and climate across the country.
These regional discrepancies show how essential it is for lawmakers to understand the specific challenges farmers in different areas face. A cookie-cutter approach won’t work — and when policies fail farmers, we all feel the effects.
Why These Issues Should Matter to You
At this point, you might be wondering why these issues are relevant to you, especially if you don’t work in agriculture. The answer is simple: food security and economic stability. When farmers struggle, we all pay the price, quite literally.
Food Security
Our food system is a delicate balance, and when farmers are unable to continue their operations due to financial strain or poor policy support, that balance can tip. Fewer farmers mean less food production, and when the supply diminishes, prices go up. This could lead to a scenario where basic foods become unaffordable for many Americans.
Moreover, food security isn’t just about having enough food; it’s about having a sustainable and resilient system that can withstand shocks like inflation, droughts, or natural disasters. If we don’t support our farmers through effective policies, we risk compromising this stability.
National Security and Economic Impact
Agriculture isn’t just about food — it’s about the entire economy. Farms don’t just produce crops; they’re part of a massive supply chain that includes manufacturing, transportation, and retail. When farms suffer, the ripple effects can be felt throughout the economy. This is why supporting agriculture is so essential to the country’s overall economic health.
Additionally, agriculture is tied to national security. A nation that can’t feed itself is vulnerable. By ensuring that our farmers have the support they need to continue producing food, fiber, and fuel, we’re also safeguarding the country’s independence and security.
What You Can Do This Election
The future of farming — and by extension, the future of our food and economy — is directly tied to the decisions we make at the ballot box. One of the most critical pieces of legislation in this regard is the Farm Bill, a massive law passed every five years that governs everything from farm subsidies to food assistance programs.
The Farm Bill: America's Insurance Policy
Think of the Farm Bill as an insurance policy for America. It ensures that farmers can manage the immense risks associated with their work, whether it's a bad growing season, natural disasters, or volatile markets. More importantly, it ensures a stable and secure food supply for all Americans.
The Farm Bill isn’t just about farmers; around 80% of its funding goes toward food security programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which helps low-income families afford food. The other 20% focuses on supporting farmers and ensuring the sustainability of our agricultural system. Without it, both farmers and families would be left vulnerable.
However, the Farm Bill is outdated. The last one passed in 2018, and we’re overdue for an update. Farmers need an updated Farm Bill to address current challenges, from inflation to climate change, and it’s crucial that voters understand the importance of this legislation when choosing candidates.
Voting with Agriculture in Mind
As election day approaches, Smallhouse urges voters to pay attention to how politicians address agriculture. If they aren’t talking about it at all, that’s a red flag. If they are talking about it, listen carefully to what they say. Are they knowledgeable about the issues? Do they provide detailed, thoughtful answers, or are they giving vague, non-committal responses?
Electing politicians who understand the complexities of agriculture and are willing to engage in tough conversations is essential. The future of farming in America depends on the ability of lawmakers to craft policies that support farmers while addressing broader challenges like inflation, climate change, and food security.
Get Informed and Get Involved
One of the best ways to educate yourself on the issues facing farmers is to visit your state’s Farm Bureau website. These organizations are deeply connected to the realities on the ground and can provide you with up-to-date information on the specific challenges farmers in your region are facing.
Once you’re informed, you can make better decisions about which candidates will support agriculture. Voting for candidates who prioritize farming and rural issues is voting for a stable food supply, a resilient economy, and a stronger America.
Why Your Vote Matters More Than Ever
It’s easy to take the food on our tables for granted, but the reality is that it comes from a small and increasingly fragile system. Farmers face immense challenges, from inflation to unpredictable weather, and the policies we vote for directly impact their ability to continue producing the food, fiber, and fuel we all rely on.
When you vote this election, consider how the candidates plan to address the pressing issues facing agriculture. Are they committed to updating the Farm Bill? Do they have concrete plans to combat inflation and support farmers in different regions of the country?
By voting with agriculture in mind, you’re not just supporting farmers — you’re supporting a stable economy, secure food supply, and resilient future for all Americans. In many ways, farmers are like America’s insurance policy. When we protect them, we protect ourselves.
So, when you step into the voting booth, remember the farmers working tirelessly to keep food on your table and consider that when you vote.
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