Consumers believe small family farms get the short end of the stick when it comes to government funding

As work continues on this year’s Farm Bill, researchers are examining the public’s understanding of farm distribution.

According to this chart created by Farmdoc Daily with data provided by the Gardner Food and Agricultural Policy Survey, consumers believe small family farms account for a smaller share than they actually do and feel those farms should get the most government funding. In reality, due to current farm policies, large family farms tend to get the most government support.

Researchers say this could be challenging as it points to a clear disconnect between government and public priorities.