Growing attention to federal deficits indicates that Congress will more carefully scrutinize  the efficiency of taxpayer support for farm programs. What constitutes an efficient use of taxpayer money, however, is open to various interpretations. 

Jon Entine is available for comment on his book Crop Chemophobia: Will Precaution Kill the Green Revolution?

Policies to promote biofuels are extensive. The political rhetoric justifying them typically takes one of three forms. The first is to support farmer wealth.  The second is to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. And the third is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs).

President Barack Obama and Republican presidential contender Rick Santorum have finally managed to find something they agree on. Despite their many differences, they see eye to eye on the notion that the tax system should favor manufacturing over other sectors of the economy.

There's a persistent story that farming is on the edge of catastrophe in America and that's why they need safety nets that other people don't get. And the reality is that it's really a very healthy industry.

Turning back the clock to a less efficient economy to save certain manufacturing jobs is not the answer. Have our workforce participate in this dynamic new economy.

Intensive farming has enabled growth in food production at a rate greater that population growth, limiting the effect of farming on the environment.

There is a great deal to remember this week, the one year anniversary of the devastating Tohoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Few events in recent history have combined to such an intense degree natural disaster, technological failure, humanitarian relief, and government scrutiny.