Jim Baird claims to want to help farmers, but what has he really done?
Farm Bill Problems
- Baird supported cutting $30 billion from conservation programs that help farmers adapt to climate change
- He also backed cuts to SNAP (food stamps), hurting low-income families
- The 2018 Farm Bill was extended without updates, leaving farmers without improved safety nets
Energy Policy Hurts Corn Farmers
- Baird opposed incentives for renewable energy like ethanol
- This cost corn farmers in the district an estimated $18.4 million in lost ethanol markets
- Instead, he supported keeping subsidies for oil and gas companies
USAID Cuts Harm Local Farms
- Recent 90% cuts to USAID programs eliminated an important market for crops
- Farmers in the 4th District are estimated to lose $9.6-$14.4 million per year from these cuts
- Baird has not taken action to protect USAID funding or help affected farmers
Soaring Egg Prices
Baird blocked emergency funding for bird flu outbreaks, leaving chicken and egg farmers like our very own Rose Acre Farms (the second largest egg producer in America) without federal support.
These policy positions have reduced financial support for farmers, limited their market opportunities, and made it harder for them to implement environmentally-friendly practices. At the same time, cuts to food assistance programs have increased hardship for low-income families in the district.