ABSTRACT
nne objective of farm commodity programs has been to maintain the family farm system as evidenced by the following quote from the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977:
Congress hereby specifically reaffirms the historical policy of the United States to foster and encourage the family farm system of agriculture in this country. Congress firmly believes that the maintenance of the family farm system of agriculture is essential to the social well-being of the Nation and the competitive production of adequate supplies of food and fiber.
The quote begs the basic question: Do farm commodity programs help to maintain the system of family farms? This chapter attempts to answer the question.