From the "it's about time" files, PBS: USAID Rethinks Who Gets Paid to Grow Food for Countries in Need
American food aid is sent to places with dire need. And until now, the commodities have been bought from U.S. farmers and shipped overseas on U.S. vessels to be donated. Margaret Warner reports on a new budget proposal that would redirect nearly half the money to buy bulk food more locally to the countries that need it.
Agribusiness and farm-state politicians are opposing the change. I'm opposing them on this one. Paying local farmers to grow the food has greater potential for creating sustainable economic growth and avoiding dependence.
Watch USAID Rethinks Who Gets Paid to Grow Food for Countries on PBS. See more from PBS NewsHour.
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