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Economist warns of growing uncertainty in ag policy

An economist says today’s agriculture policy isn’t built for the future of the industry.  

Brad Lubben with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says while there’ve been necessary updates to the farm safety net, it doesn’t address larger issues. “The future directions of the ag economy and drivers on the policy front – those are the things that aren’t in the farm bill that have the most significant questions ahead.”  

He tells Brownfield lawmakers continue to kick the can down the road on could help improve the financial outlook. Lubben says biofuels is an example. “It relies so much on a policy framework, that there is always some uncertainty. The trade policy framework is very uncertain and unpredictable day-to-day. Yet, we’re relying on solid export market opportunities to drive the economy.”

Lubben says agriculture policy has become increasingly difficult for lawmakers to navigate, creating more uncertainty for the industry’s future. “That has the ag community, arguably, less engaged in what’s left of the farm bill. The big safety net questions were already addressed. That brings into question where the farm/non-farm or rural/urban coalition is going forward.”

Brad Lubben: