New Zealand is four times more dependent on agriculture than the U.S. It once maintained an extensive system of farm subsidies.
But in 1984, it ended them. What happened? Farm productivity and earnings rose.
The Federated Farmers of New Zealand fought just as vigorously as their American counterparts to preserve their subsidies. Yet in hindsight, the same group now says that its experience “thoroughly debunked the myth that the farming sector cannot prosper without government subsidies.†In fact, it thrives.
Policy Bosses: Jim Nussle, President and CEO of the Credit Union National Association
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It’s time to debunk that myth in our own country, but don’t hold your breath. Recently, my amendment to slowly phase out American farm subsidies over the next 12 years got just 34 votes in the 435-member House.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/op-eds/rep-tom-mcclintock-lets-follow-new-zealand-and-end-farm-subsidies
