Create a comprehensive Farms Bill that would prevent market manipulation by corporations and help support small farms.

The surge in food prices is hurting many sectors of the economy including the commodities and financial sectors. Demand for agricultural products continues to rise. The agricultural sector is one of the few sectors of the economy that has maintained a positive trade balance ($98.6 billion exported, $71.7 billion imported in 2009). Small farms (annual sales less than $50,000) accounted for about 76% of all farms in the U.S but only 5% of value produced. The middle 22% of all farms by value produced 48% of the total value of agricultural production. And the top 2% of farms produced 47% of the total value of agricultural production. Subsidizing small farms to increase agricultural production (especially wheat, corn, soy, and fish) will boost exports, create jobs, and lower food prices.