Getting Paid NOT To Farm = $1.3 Billion

"The Bush administration yesterday proposed ending farm subsidies for an estimated 80,000 wealthy individuals as part of a broad plan that would close loopholes and cut traditional farm programs by $4.5 billion over the next 10 years.

The plan would close a major loophole highlighted by The Post that in 2005 allowed corn farmers to receive $3.8 billion more than needed to ensure they got the government-guaranteed price.

The plan also proposes changes in a program that since 2000 has enabled some landowners who do not farm to still collect $1.3 billion in farm payments."

From today's article "USDA Outlines a Plan To Cut Farm Subsidies" in the Wash Post, as part of its "Harvesting Cash: Working a Farm Subsidy" series.

I'll put this in my "It's About Time" file.