USDA: subsidizing F&V won’t do much good
January 12, 2009
The USDA has a new report out analyzing the effects of a 10% subsidy on fruits and vegetables. This, its economists say, would increase consumption a little, but not enough to meet recommendations and the cost would be hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Does this mean that lowering the cost of F&V isn’t worth the trouble? Why am I not convinced by this argument?
This study estimated, but did not actually measure, the improvement in fruit and vegetable consumption, as I read it. Has anybody actually measured the change in consumption under conditions of reduced price?
If even a small change in diet selection results from the expenditure of subsidy money, how does that dollar amount compare with reduced costs for medical care needed by the people who improved their diets?
I have seen case reports of community gardens projects that suggest there is a segment of the population that welcomes fresh produce added to their diet in inexpensive form. I guess an important question is whether the target population wants the fresh produce or is content with a diet of processed foods.
Comment by Sheila — January 13, 2009 @ 5:45 am
Maybe they can reduce the corn and soy subsidy programs to help pay for it! Some Danish and UK researchers have looked at subsidy programs and determined that they work. See their presentations on food tax reform at: http://www.cspinet.org/canada/2008conference/program.html
Keep up the good work Marion. You’re the conscience (that niggling voice in the back of our heads) of our food systems.
Comment by Cathy Richards — January 13, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
Subsidies ARE a major part of the problem. We have been giving huge amounts of money to AgriCorps who no longer need support from this antiquated system.
It is not time to start another Corporate Welfare system, even for Organic Fruits and Vegetables.
Instead of the awfully wasteful subsidy system, supporting SUSTAINABLE, ORGANIC, farms where farmers really need support and QUALIFY for it.
End the Corporate Welfare subsidizing Obesity!
Comment by Daniel Ithaca, NY — January 14, 2009 @ 9:45 am
If people actually liked eating fruits and vegetables, they would eat them.
Lowering the price probably won’t do a bit of good. Although it would be politically satisfying to say “we lowered the price of fruits and vegetables.’
Comment by Ivan Road — January 14, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Re: “if people actually liked fruits and vegetables, they would eat them”. That’s really only part of the picture. For a lot of low-income people, fresh fruits and vegetables are either not readily available or they’re just too expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, have a family to feed and don’t have a lot of time, you’re going to go for cheap, filling and convenient no matter what your taste preferences are.
Comment by Kei — January 15, 2009 @ 1:38 pm