Story: Farm Bill Plays Pivotal Role in U.S. Food Production, 11/20/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec07/farm_11-20.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the farm bill and why is it in the news right now?

2. What issues are impacting the fight over the farm bill? What is President Bush's opinion of the issue?

3. What is the most controversial part of the farm bill?

4. What do critics think about this controversial part of the bill?

5. What is the history of the farm bill? When was this type of legislation first used? Why?

6. How has the intent of the farm bill changed over the years?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. What do you think? Should the farm bill continue in its current form? Why or why not? How would you change it?

2. Why do you think politicians changed the bill to include things like food stamps to appeal to urban voters and politicians? Why is this important? What role does politics play in legislation like this?

3. What impact does large commercial farming have on farming in America? How does the farm bill support corporate farming? What do you think would happen if there was no farm bill?

4. Interview a farmer in your state. What does he/she grow? What does he/she think about the farm bill? What are his/her greatest concerns for the future of the farm?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of the topics in this exercise providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.