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New York University: Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health

ADVANCED TOPICS IN FOOD STUDIES: FOOD SOCIOLOGY: THE FARM BILL, Fall 2011

FOOD-GE.2244.1.001 (Revised 9-12-11)

Mondays 4:55-6:35 p.m., 3 credits, @Silver 520

Marion Nestle, Instructor, , blog @marionnestle

Office hours: Mondays 2:00-4:00 p.m. or by appointment35 West 4th Street, 12th Floor

Michael Bulger, Teaching Assistant, , @MichaelBulger

Office hours: Thursdays 2:00-4:00 p.m., Think Coffee, NYU Bookstore, 726 Broadway

Eleanor Talbot West, Course Assistant, , @Eleanor_West

This is a new course offered to coincide with congressional debate about the 2012 farm bill, a massive piece of legislation that governs USDA programs spanning agriculture, nutrition, and public health. Farm bill provisions deal with agricultural supports, food assistance programs, international food trade, biofuels, organic food production, livestock production, commodity speculation, and conservation of natural resources (including water)--all of which directly affect or have implications for social welfare and public health. As an outgrowth of the burgeoning food movement, advocacy organizations are mobilizing to improve the farm bill in ways that better align agricultural policy with health and environmental policy.

Students will review the history, sociology, and politics of farm bill legislation in the United States, read about the 2008 version, follow current discussions of farm bill issues, and develop strategies for revising specific sections to make them more compatible with goals for improving the health of the public, especially low-income groups, farmers (small and large), farm workers, farm animals, farmland, rural America, and the environment. The course focuses on advocacy: methods for getting involved and taking action, organizations and stakeholder groups, lobbyists and lobbying, and the nuts and bolts of how senators, congressional representatives, the relevant congressional committees, and the White House deal with food and nutritionlegislation and funding.

Course objectives:

  • Identify the goals of an ideal food system and the role of various stakeholders—government, industry, the public—in achieving that system.
  • Describe the historical, social, and political context of agricultural policy in the U.S.
  • Describe the issues addressed by the various titles of the farm bill that affect nutrition, food, and health policy.
  • Identify the primary stakeholders in farm bill policy areas, and the strategies by which they attempt to achieve their goals.
  • Explain the processes by which Congress revises farm bill policies.
  • Identify advocacy groups workingto align aspects of farm policy with health policy.

FARM BILL CLASS SCHEDULE, FALL 2011

DATE / FARM BILL TOPIC / ASSIGNMENTS
Readings should be completed and ready to discuss by the indicated class date. All readingswithout URLs are on Blackboard. Most are also available online, searchable by title.
Sept 12 / Introduction /
  1. The 2008 farm bill : read through the Table of Contents, pp. 1-14, on Blackboard or at
  2. Pick any section of the bill that interests you. Search for and find that section. Read twoor threepages of the bill beginning with that section.
  3. View: Cook K. Video of TED talk on farm bill, April 3, 2011, at minutes)

Sept 19 / Context: Society /
  1. National Research Council. Pivotal time in agriculture. In: Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century, 2010: 43-75.
  2. Dimitri C, et al. The 20th Century transformation of U.S. agriculture and farm policy. USDA/ERS, June 2005.
  3. Vilsack T. Briefing on the status of rural America (slide show), undated.
  4. Mercier S. External factors that will drive the next farm bill debate. Choices 2011:26(2).
  5. Coleman-Jenson A, et al. Household food security in the United States, 2010. USDA, September 2011.Read Summary and first chapter, pp. 1-18.
  6. Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Food without Thought: How U.S. Farm Policy Contributes to Obesity, 2006
  7. Masey R, Ulmer A. Agriculture and greenhouse gas emissions. University of Missouri Extension, 2010.

Sept 26 / Context: Agriculture /
  1. National Research Council. Public policy as a contextual factor. In: Toward Sustainable Agricultural Systems in the 21st Century, 2010: 291-307, 323-326, 333-336.
  2. Shields DA, et al. Farm Safety Net Programs:Issues for the Next Farm Bill. CRS 2010.
  3. Johnson R, Monke J. What is the “farm bill”? CRS, 2010. Note: percent shares in table 1 are in error. Nutrition should be 67%, Commodities 15%, Conservation 9%, Crop Insurance 8%.
  4. Hayes MA. Getting what we pay for (and other unintended consequences): An overview of federal agricultural policy. Maine Policy Review Winter/Spring 2011.
  5. Goodwin BK, et all. American boondoggle: fixing the 2012 farm bill. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  6. Monke J, Johnson R. Actual farm bill spending and cost estimates. CRS, 2010.
  7. Monke J. Previewing the next farm bill: unfunded and early-expiring provisions. CRS, 2010.
  8. USDA/ERS 2008 farm bill summary of provisions and links to specific sections. Browseso you know how and where to find sections of interest.

Oct 3 / Context: Politics /
  1. Syllabus pp. 13-14 on how bills get passed.
  2. Monke J. Agriculture and related agencies: FY2010 appropriations. CRS 2010. Read to page 23; focus on process, not numbers.
  3. Dunlea M, Yowell E. Farm bill 1.05. Food Systems Network, July 2011.
  4. Kopperud S. Are we now racing for a 2011 farm bill? Brownfield Ag News, August 5, 2011, at
  5. Cogan M, Raju M. The GOP’s supercommittee picks. Politico, August 10, 2011, at
  6. Super disclose them (editorial). New York Times, August 22, 2011, at
  7. Outlaw JL, et al. Farm bill stakeholders: competitors or collaborators? Choices 2011;26(2).
  8. Yowell E, Estrow FG. Farm bill 1.02. Food Systems Network, NYC, 2011.
  9. Porter R. Ag industry develops tools to tell its story, March 20, 2011, at
  10. Morgan D. The farm bill and beyond. German Marshall Fund, 2009.
Begin choosing issues and groups
DUE: Short paper #1
Oct 10 / Columbus Day Holiday
Oct 17 / Title 1: Commodities /
  1. Goodwin BK. We’re not in Kansas anymore: Is there any case for ag subsidies? American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  2. Babcock BA. Something for nothing? Direct payments and Title I farm programs. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  3. Environmental Working Group database and research on where and to whom subsidies go:
  4. Food and Agriculture Policy Institute (FAPRI), U. Missouri. Potential impacts of eliminating direct payments. June 2011.
  5. Ellis S. Farm payments: what happens if they disappear? FarmGateBlog.com, July 5, 2011, at
  6. Caldwell J. Bad Seeds: A Plan to Phase out the $5 Billion in “Direct Payment” Agricultural Subsidies. Center for American Progress, 2011.
  7. Goodwin BK, et al. The buck stops where? The distribution of agricultural subsidies. National Bureau of Economic Research, January 2011. Read the text and conclusion but OK to skip the economic model.
DUE: Short paper #2
Oct 24 / Title 12: Crop Insurance & Disaster Aid
Title 5: Credit /
  1. Chite RM, Schnepf R. Crop insurance and disaster assistance in the 2008 farm bill. CRS, January 28, 2009.
  2. Shields DA. Federal crop insurance: background and issues. CRS, December 13, 2010.
  3. Smith VH. Premium payments: why crop insurance costs too much. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  4. Watts M, Bekkerman A. Agricultural disaster aid programs: A SURE invitation to wasteful spending. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  5. Monke J. Agricultural credit: institutions and issues. CRS, November 26, 2010.

Oct 31 / Title 1: Peanuts, Dairy, Sugar
Title 9: Energy /
  1. Dohlman E, et al. The post-buyout experience: peanut and tobacco sectors adapt to policy reform. USDA/ERS, November 2009. Read to p. 24, then 34-35, 44-45.
  2. Shields DA. Previewing dairy policy options for the next farm bill. CRS, December 17, 2010.
  3. Balagtas JV. Milking consumers and taxpayers. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  4. International Dairy Foods Association. IDFA dairy policy recommendations: providing a path to growth and opportunity, April 22, 2011, at
  5. Jurenas R. Sugar market developments and policy issues. CRS May 11, 2010.
  6. Wohlgenant MK. Sweets for the sweet: the costly benefits of the US sugar program. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  7. Knittel CR. Corn Belt Moonshine: The Costs and Benefits of US Ethanol Subsidies. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  8. Cooper J. Agricultural Commodity Support and Biofuels Policy. Resources for the Future, July 18, 2011.
Due: group project proposals (title, members)
Nov 7 / Title 4: Nutrition /
  1. Schumacher G, et al. Healthy food access and affordability. Maine Policy Review 2011;Winter/Spring:124-139.
  2. Center for Mississippi Health Policy. From Field to Fitness: Aligning Farm Policy with Health Policy to Improve Nutrition & Health. September 2010.
  3. Paggi MS. Food and nutrition programs in the next farm bill. Choices 2011;26(2).
  4. Richardson J, et al. Reducing SNAP (food stamp) benefits provided by the ARRA: PL 111-226 & S. 3307. CRS, Aug 20, 2010.
  5. Crupain M, Yowell E. Farm bill 1.06. Food Systems Network, NYC, August 2011.
  6. Hobart T, et al. Farm bill 1.04. Food Systems Network, NYC, June 2011.

Nov 14 / Title 10: Horticulture & Organic
Title 6 Rural Development
Title 2. Conservation /
  1. Pegg R, Bech R. Statement before the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Horticulture, House Ag Committee, July 7, 2011.
  2. Johnson R. Organic agriculture in the United States: program and policy issues. CRS, Nov 25, 2008.
  3. Farmers’ Legal Action Group. Planting the Seeds for Public Health: How the Farm Bill Can Help Farmers to Produce and Distribute Healthy Foods. Feb 2010.
  4. USDA Rural Development at Browse site and Rural Development 2010 Progress Report at
  5. O’Hara JK. Market Forces. Union of Concerned Scientists, August 2011.
  6. Stubbs M. Agricultural conservation issues in the 111th Congress. CRS, September 21, 2010.
  7. Vukina T. Conserving Our Future: How to reform Title II of the Farm Bill. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  8. USDA/ERS Briefing Room: Conservation policy at
DUE: Short paper #3
Nov 21 / Title 3: Trade & Aid
Title 13: Commodity futures /
  1. Ho MD, Hanrahan CE. International food aid programs: background and issues. CRS, Feb 3, 2010.
  2. Josling T. Stuck in the Mud: How farm policy undermines free trade. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  3. Summer DA. Picking on the poor: how US agricultural policy hurts the developing world. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  4. Johnson R, et al. Comparing US and EU program support for farm commodities and conservation. CRS, 2010.
  5. World Bank. Rising Global Interest in Farmland: Can it Yield Sustainable and Equitable Benefits? 2010. Read the Preface and Overview.
  6. Trostle R, et al. Why have food commodity prices risen again? USDA, June 2011.
  7. FAO. Price surges in food markets: how should organized futures markets be regulated? June 2010.
  8. FAPRI Briefing Book: Projections for agricultural and biofuel markets, March 2011.

Nov 28 / Title 8: Forestry
Title 11: Livestock (safety) /
  1. Gorte RW. Forestry in the next farm bill. CRS, April 29, 2010.
  2. Becker GS. Animal agriculture: selected issues for Congress. CRS, March 15, 2007.
  3. Food and Water Watch interactive map of factory farms
  4. Noble M. Paying the polluters. CAFO Reader, 2010.
  5. Johnson R. Food safety issues for the 112th Congress. CRS, Feb 10, 2011.

Dec 5 / Title 7: Research
Title 14: Miscellaneous (social justice, security)
Title 15: Trade and Tax /
  1. Ho M. Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension: Issues and Background. CRS, January 3, 2011.
  2. Pardey PG, Alston JM. For Want of A Nail: The Case for Increased Agricultural R&D Spending. American Enterprise Institute, 2011.
  3. USDA social justice issues:
  4. USDA minority assistance:
  5. National Association of State Departments of Agriculture: food and agriculture security

Dec 12 / Group reports
Dec 19 / 5:00 p.m. / DUE: ADVOCACY PORTFOLIO

ASSIGNMENTS

SHORT PAPERS

These are designed to get you to explore one small aspect of the farm bill in greater depth on your own. The papers are to be no longer than two pages, double-spaced, reasonably sized font. Tables, figures, references, and any other supporting materials can be attached as additional pages. Note: Grading will be by code, not name (the process for acquiring a code will be explained in class).

#1: The BudgetDUE October 3

Cutting the federal budget has become an overriding consideration in American politics and it seems likely that the overall budget will be reduced. Funding for several programs expires in 2012, meaning that they will end if funds are not reauthorized. Here is your chance to say how you would deploy the farm bill budget. Use the table as a starting point. Note that the New York Times did something like this for the entire federal budget earlier this year. See

Cost of the 2008 farm bill from 2008-2012*

TITLE / POLICY ISSUE / 5-YEAR COST / % / YOUR PROPOSAL / RATIONALE
1 / Commodities / 41,628,000,000 / 15
2 / Conservation / 24,112,000,000 / 9
3 / Trade, Food Aid / 1,853,000 / <1
4 / Nutrition / 188,902,000,000 / 67
5 / Credit / 0 / --
6 / Rural Development / 194,000,000 / <1
7 / Research / 321,000,000 / <1
8 / Forestry / 38,000,000 / <1
9 / Energy / 643,000,000 / <1
10 / Horticulture, Organic / 402,000,000 / <1
11 / Livestock / 1,000,000 / <1
12 / Crop Insurance / 21,858,000,000 / 8
13 / Commodity Futures / 0 / --
14 / Miscellaneous / 6,382,000,000 / 2
15 / Disaster Assistance / 3,807,000,000 / 1
TOTAL / 283,921,000,000

*Source: from

Although you must assume that no additional funds are available and some cuts may be necessary, propose what you would consider an ideal allocation of funds. Explain the effects you would expect from your proposed changes and why you think they are desirable. Comment on the feasibility of your proposal and political barriers, if any.

#2: The HistoryDUE: October 17

Some programs included in the 2008 farm bill have been evolving since the 1930s. Others have been introduced more recently. Pick a farm bill program that concerns you and trace its evolution.

  • When and why was the program introduced?
  • How and why has it evolved?

The purpose of this assignment is to get you to examine the history of the farm bill and to think about the rationale for changes in it over time.

The bills and other relevant documents are available at Also see Resources at the end of the syllabus.

Cite whatever references you consulted. Summarize in a timeline if one is appropriate.

#3: The PoliticsDUE: November 14

Each member of the Senate and House agriculture committees represents a unique constituency and brings a personal viewpoint to farm bill debates. Special interests that are close to one politician might be less important to another. Committee members might represent constituencies that are largely urban or rural. For this assignment, pick one agriculture committee member (either House or Senate), and explain the particular perspective he or she brings to farm bill issues. Who are likely to be the most influential stakeholders in the member’s district? What position is the member likely to take on key farm bill issues—subsidies, conservation, and nutrition, for example—and why? To get started, see “How to Advocate.” Cite the resources you consulted as an attachment.

FINAL PROJECT: GROUP ADVOCACY PORTFOLIO

You and other members of your advocacy group will pick a farm bill issue that you would like to see changed and develop a portfolio of documents aimed at convincing members of the House or Senate agriculture committee and their staff to adopt the position you advocate. You may advocate for any change or position, including defending, strengthening, or eliminating a program or provision. The American Enterprise Institute issue summaries are examples of how stakeholder groups can make compelling arguments for their positions. Formation of groups will be arranged in class.

As a minimum, your group should produce:

  • A SUMMARY of the issue and the position. This should be titled and should identify all members of the group. One page.
  • A BACKGROUND PAPER that explains the issue, the proposed change, the rationale for the change, the expected effects of the change, including cost considerations. It should identify groups that support the change and explain why they do. It should also identify groups likely to oppose the change, summarize their reasons for opposition, and provide counter-arguments. This discussion should be designed to be read easily by a busy congressional staff person. It should be supported by references, tables, figures, photographs, relevant documents, or reports of interviewsthat help to strengthen the argument. Up to 10 pages of text, double spaced, plus supporting documents.
  • A LETTER TO CONGRESS urging members of key House and Senate committees to vote for your position. Address the letter to one member. Choice of committee and member should depend on what is happening at the time the letter is prepared.
  • An OP-EDprepared for the New York Times or other national newspaper aimed at convincing readers to write their congressional representatives to support your position (follow word-limit instructions given by the newspaper for preparing op-ed pieces. The Times’ limits op-eds to 750 words, for example. See:
  • A LETTER TO THE EDITORof a national newspaper to inform readers of the importance of your proposal and to encourage action. Length and format must meet word limitations and editorial requirements of that publication, but these are usually very short (for the New York Times, see
  • A LETTER TO AN ADVOCACY GROUP working on your issue either to enlist support for your proposed change or to offer assistance.
  • A BLOG POST for the Huffington Post, Atlantic Life, or some other site read widely by the intended audience. Check the site for guidelines on length and format.
  • A TWEET designed to elicit action on your issue. This must be no longer than 120 characters, including spaces and a TinyURL link, to leave room for retweeting.
  • An ANNOTATED REFERENCE LISTof key print and web sources related to your issue. Your list can include the most useful background references and those related to positions on your issue from various stakeholders (2 to 4, each). For websites, your short annotation (a sentence or two) should say who runs the site, what position it represents, and, if relevant, who funds it.

You may also add ANYTHING ELSE your group thinks might help advocate for your position.

It should be evident from this list that there is substantial overlap among the pieces. Most of the group effort—by far--should go into creating a strong, compelling background paper that serves as the basis for the other pieces and can be attached to them as a supporting document.

By the due date, these items should be completely ready to send off to their intended recipients. Groups should feel free to do that at any time.

Grading:Each member of the group will receive the same grade on the portfolio. In addition, group members will evaluate each other’s contribution (these will be turned in separately on a form given out in class).

DUE: December 19, 5:00 p.m.

EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING

Current events

Because the farm bill is up for consideration by Congress this term, the press is likely to be covering the debates on an ongoing basis. As part of the work in the class, you should keep your eye on accounts in daily newspapers (in print or online) and electronic media, and pay special attention to stakeholder positions and lobbying and advocacy strategies on the various issues. Current events will be an important part of class discussion.