The Politics of Food - Hardcover

Solkoff, Joel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0871568462 ISBN 13: 9780871568465

Publisher: Sierra Club Books, 1985

Examines the agriculture policies of the United States government and argues that present programs could lead to food shortages

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From School Library Journal:

YA A former special assistant to the U.S. Undersecretary of Labor, Solkoff spent ten years researching this book, in which he describes the inner workings of the Department of Agriculture from its beginnings in 1862 up to and including the Reagan administration. He explains the demise of the family farm and the rise of agribusiness and its effect on the American family. Solkoff states that Agriculture has turned into a welfare agency. For example: in 1975 $1.7 billion was spent on agricultural research and price support for farmers; $4.4 billion for the food stamp program. Within a social context, he examines farm policy and the politics behind it, the workings of the commodities market, reasons for food surpluses and shortages, international trade and many more issues. Solkoff supports his statements with names, places and events in an easy-to-read style that is sometimes wry and sometimes humorous. Average high-school students will be able to understand this book. They'll even enjoy it. Pat Royal, Prince George's County Public School System, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

The central theme of this controversial book is that our current food system is in bad shape. Solkoff believes it is poor ly understood, the subject of political maneuverings, and without leadership. He discusses the decline of the family farm, the rise of agribusiness, Earl Butz, selling grain to Russia, the fu tures market, Cesar Chavez, migrant labor, the Imperial Valley, right up to the 1985 Farm Bill. Solkoff's political analysis exposes problems, but does not provide answers or suggestions. His subject is timely; his book is most suitable for public libraries. Carole Ledford, Georgia Experiment Station Lib.,
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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