U.S. Animal Agriculture Policy: Problems and Solutions

The current structure of the American animal agriculture industry is fraught with problems. The externalities from it are disproportionately felt by a limited group of individuals who lack political and economic influence. Far from taxing or constraining animal agriculture, The U.S. Government subsidizes its worst practices through a variety of direct and indirect methods. This paper recommends four specific reforms in agriculture policy that will level the playing field for small farmers and push the industry toward greater economic efficiency