In the United States today, it seems that maximizing profits means influencing politicians to provide taxpayer subsidies while seeking protection from laws and rules that protect the interests of the public. The U.S. farm bill is an example.
The goal of the agribusiness lobby and Farm Bureau is to gain guaranteed income from the taxpayers while shedding risk and responsibility for damage being done to our natural heritage and quality of life.
Maximizing profits through exports of grain and meat means big profits for some and a better balance of trade for the United States, but it also means more soil loss, poorer water and air quality, worse public health and lower quality swimming, boating, fishing and hunting for the rest of us.
Why can we not strike a balance between a strong farm economy and a healthy, rural quality of life? Maybe that is what President Craig Lang was asking for before he left the Farm Bureau.
— Mike Delaney, Des Moines