Kerry Takes Aim at Agribusiness

Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry, warning of the growing encroachment of corporations into food production, called Tuesday for more money for conservation programs and revamped farm subsidies.

As control by agribusiness has grown, Kerry said, family farmers have been squeezed.

“When you consider that two-thirds of our agriculture support payments go to the largest 10% of firms, it’s no surprise,” the Massachusetts senator said.

Visiting a family farm in northern Iowa, Kerry said four giant companies control 81% of the nation’s beef production. He said he would restructure farm subsidies to give family operations a better chance at competing for assistance.

“I have fought to make sure that family farms have a fair shot to compete against large corporations and that farmers have the support they need,” he said.

In addition, Kerry said he would increase spending on struggling soil conservation programs, such as the Conservation Security Program pushed by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa). It would provide money and technical assistance for farmers who engage in soil conservation efforts, but Kerry warned it’s badly underfunded. Applications for assistance worth $104 million are pending in Iowa alone, he said.

“As president, I will stand up for family farmers and good conservation practices,” he said. The Harkin-backed program, he added, “rewards family farmers for being strong environmental stewards, it helps our rural communities thrive, and it makes sure our family farms are a source of opportunity and hope for the next generation.”

The campaign of front-runner Howard Dean quickly weighed in, criticizing Kerry’s record on farm issues, noting that the senator has voted against flood relief for farmers and other aid. “It takes a little more than a new pair of boots and a flannel shirt to convince Iowans you understand rural America,” Dean spokeswoman Sarah Leonard said.