Insuring the Casino, Not the FarmHow we subsidize farmers to take bigger risks.
From the show
When Rewards BackfireFederal crop insurance is meant to be a safety net, but its structure creates perverse incentives. By covering most of the premium costs, the government encourages farmers to make risky planting decisions they would otherwise avoid, like using low-quality land or unsuitable crops. This taxpayer-funded system shields growers from losses, leading to environmental strain and overproduction. It's a policy that overwhelmingly benefits the largest agricultural operations, not the small family farms it's meant to protect.
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