The Swine Line

•  New Farm Bill Commentary by John Frydenlund released today
•  Washington Times editorial quotes Tom Schatz here:

Thomas Schatz, president of the government-waste organization, “applaud[ed]” the FRESH Act because it “would replace Depression-era farm-subsidy programs with programs that would provide a real safety net for farmers when they need it instead of doling out excessive payments to the wealthiest farmers whether they need them or not.”

•  Roll Call article on Farm Bill Pork:

For instance, the bill includes language directing the secretary of Agriculture to “establish artisanal cheese centers to provide educational and technical assistance relating to the manufacture and marketing of artisanal cheese by small and medium-sized producers and businesses.” The earmark includes an open-ended funding authorization. Likewise, the bill includes a “Historic Barn” provision to identify and rehabilitate old barns across the country, as well as funding for a “Chinese Garden” project at the National Arboretum.