Analysts: Higher U.S. Farm Subsidies May Lead to Environmental Damage Abroad

摘要

An increase in farm subsidies proposed in the House- and Senate-passed farm bills (H.R. 2642, S. 954) may make U.S. crops cheaper, forcing farmers in developing countries to use farming methods that harm the environment, policy analysts have told BNA. The inability of farmers in developing countries to sell crops could lead to crop production on marginal lands, inefficient nutrient and pesticide application, or, in extreme cases, deforestation, the analysts said Aug. 9. Those farmers might have to spend more to ship and sell products. Without the funds needed from crops in developing countries, farmers might not be able to practice environmentally safe farming methods and governments might not be able to monitor those practices, the analysts said.