Farm Policies Cost Families a Bundle

RALEIGH — Agricultural subsidies cost an average American family of four about $200 a year, a UNC-CH doctoral candidate told an April 21 luncheon audience at the John Locke Foundation. While the United States differs from Europe in the implementation of farm policies, their effect is the same: less food at higher prices. And while agriculture may conjure up the rustic image of a small Mom and Pop farm receiving relief during hard times, the reality is large conglomerates qualifying for aid in good market times.