The federal government spends billions of dollars a year to subsidize insurance plans for farmers who grow corn, soy, wheat and other crops that end up being fed to animals or in processed foods. Consequently, the industrial food system overproduces artificially cheap meat and unhealthful processed foods that contribute to obesity and other diet-related diseases.

Food production and processing is increasingly controlled by a handful of corporations. Processing occurs in large centralized facilities, requiring long-distance food transportation. This creates food safety risks and makes the food system more vulnerable to shocks like drought and rising fuel prices, while raising costs for consumers and lowering the prices farmers receive for their crops.

The industrial food system relies on poorly paid laborers who are often subjected to unfair working conditions, high risk of injury and illness, and exposure to toxic chemicals and harmful pathogens.

The agribusiness lobby is among the most powerful – and wealthy – in Washington. In 2018, its lobbyists spent more than $130 million influencing government agencies and elected officials. As a result, agribusiness benefits from huge government subsidies, while environmental, labor, food labeling and food safety regulations remain weak and poorly enforced.