October 17, 2003
The New York Times
Magazine
Letters to the Editor
magazine@nytimes.com
To the Editor:
Michael Pollan’s
attempt to blame the “obesity epidemic” on our nation’s
farm policy is really an attack on farmers and the successes of modern
agriculture. Unfortunately, farmers are accustomed to attacks on the
farm safety net that really only helps farmers manage the risks of volatile
commodity markets and unpredictable weather. But the suggestion that
“cheap corn” has caused the obesity epidemic is absurd.
It is disappointing,
but not surprising, that Mr. Pollan failed to do his homework. If he
had, he would know farm supports are now largely decoupled from annual
planting decisions, and that farm policy encourages farmers to respond
to market signals. His uninformed and simplistic view that farm supports
drive production decisions also ignores the significant economic factors
that have impacted agriculture over the last 50 years.
The incredible growth
in agricultural productivity is the single most influential factor behind
the increase in output. Between 1948 and 1994, U.S. agriculture increased
its productivity 1.94 percent per year. Nonfarm businesses had a 1.07
percent increase and manufacturing had a 1.31 percent increase over
the same period. Agriculture’s progress was made possible by labor-saving
machinery and equipment, new seed technology and more effective fertilizers
and crop protection applications.
Agriculture’s
productivity means that corn growers and producers of other crops have
been able to remain competitive in the world market despite higher input
costs and stiff competition. It also means U.S consumers have enjoyed
a stable, safe and affordable food supply. Today, Americans spend less
than 11 percent of their incomes on food. This is a good thing for it
gives most the freedom not to worry about their next meal. You don’t
have to be an economist to appreciate what this has done for our country’s
standard of living.
Had the failed policies
of the 1980s, such as the land set asides and supply controls advocated
by Mr. Pollan been continued, our position as the world’s leading
exporter of agricultural products would have been jeopardized and the
entire U.S. economy weakened. Instead, today we have a predictable,
fiscally disciplined safety net for our family farms. Yes, most corn
growers would like to see higher prices for their crops. But farmers
deal with the reality of slim margins and competitive markets every
day. To raise prices in grocery stores and restaurants, we would have
to turn back the clock on every major technological advance in agriculture.
This is not progress. And it is not a solution to obesity.
There is no simple
solution to obesity. And blaming farmers, agriculture policy or anyone
other than oneself only distracts from the very real problems obesity
can cause. The majority of Americans know this and understand they need
to take responsibility for themselves and their families. If only the
self-appointed experts on the issue would get the message.
Sincerely,
Dee Vaughan
President, National Corn Growers Association
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