New York City Is Farmland. Who Knew?

Right now the U.S. congress is in the middle of a major legislation on a new Farm Bill, the backbone of U.S. agricultural policy for years to come. The current bill calls for $618 billion to be spent over 10 years from 2008 to 2017. Within this bill is the $52.5 billion for Direct Payment Program.

The $52.5 billion for Direct Payment Program is basically a handout, according to the San Francisco Chronicle:
“Direct payments are made regardless of crop prices, weather, or even if the land is still farmed. They are paid for no other reason than the land grew crops that were subsidized in the past. Even dead people have gotten payments.”

What is amazing is that New York City has been a recipient of the Farm Bill Direct Payment Program. In fact, during 1995 to 2006, 1,371 individuals and businesses in New York City received Farm Bill Direct Payment Program. Here is a map of the ‘farms’ in New York City to receive the handout.
Who knew?

Regards,
Ed Kim
riskyops.blogspot.com

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