Farm Subsidies I believe that farm subsidies should only continue to be provided by government if they are modified to target small, local family farms as opposed to large scale farms. However, they should slowly decrease the amount of dollars spent on agricultural production, allowing a smaller portion of taxpayer dollars to go to these small farms. Subsidies should be phased out from large farms over a number of years. Agricultural subsidies keep many farms in business, but they cause problems for many who do not engage in agricultural activity. By continuing to provide them in moderation and gradually reducing them, farmers will have the opportunity to find other means of income. Agricultural subsidies provided by the government are very important to the success of many modern farmers, large and small. Without these subsidies, a multitude of agricultural operations would quickly go bankrupt. Although the collapse of many farms would be regrettable, it is crucial that subsidies are gradually reduced, if not completely eliminated. It is extremely unfair that farmers receive subsidies while other businesses are forced to fend for themselves. “Farmers are not the only ones whose businesses experience ups and downs” (The Farm Bill). Various businesses in the United States and around the world are struggling but receiving little to no special treatment. As taxpayer money flows to farmers in the form of subsidies, other businesses suffer. Subsidies are costly and burden the American taxpayer. In the United States, approximately $44 billion is spent each year on agricultural support payments and all of this money comes out of the pockets of American families. While many American families are struggling on their own, my...... middle of paper ...... allows countries that rely heavily on agriculture to begin producing locally. Poverty in these countries could then begin to decline and their economies would grow. The growth and distribution of illegal crops will also decrease once farmers are able to earn income from what their land was originally intended for. By changing subsidies to support small farms, we will be able to reduce the amount of taxes spent on these crops. supporting large-scale operations that don't really need the extra money. Phasing out subsidies for these large farms over the years will allow companies to weigh their options and modify their crops to produce only what is needed. Providing smaller grants to local family farms will allow us to use tax dollars elsewhere and also give us the opportunity to purchase higher quality food at a lower cost..