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Abstract
This agricultural report examines an agricultural program that supports prices for basic subsidizes commodities at cost of production levels using nonrecourse loans, maintains farm exports to regain and retain a fair share of world markets, adequate stocks to stabilize markets, and implements mandatory production controls to balance supply and use. Public Law 100-71, the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 1987, directed the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate three aspects of this program. These include producer sentiment regarding mandatory production controls and cost-linked prices; quantities needed for domestic consumption, exports, and stocks; and changes needed in rules and regulations. This report summarizes findings in these three areas and provides information on possible economic effects. Results show that producers historically have indicated varying degrees of support for mandatory controls. Market needs and effects depend on numerous program implementation details. Such a program would require changes in a wide range of statutes and U.S. Department of Agriculture rules and regulations.