Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 8/8/19

The list of Demcratic presidential contenders with ag policy plans grew by three on Wednesday. Elizabeth Warren unveiled an ambitious proposal that would level the playing field between farmers and agribusinesses, in line with the Massachusetts senator's populist-themed campaign proposals. Senate Ag members Amy Klobuchar(Minn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.) put forth their own plans, too.

Warren's ag proposal is one of the most liberal so far from a primary candidate, writes Pro Ag's Catherine Boudreau. It calls for breaking up big corporations including meatpackers and pesticide manufacturers, encouraging climate-friendly practices and controlling overproduction.

Instead of offering farm subsidies to farmers when commodity prices are low, Warren proposes a new supply management program that guarantees prices at the cost of production, known as "parity," while relying on the government to stabilize the market by storing surpluses. She would also pour $15 billion per year into an Agriculture Department program that pays farmers to adopt conservation practices.

Klobuchar, who has used her Midwestern roots as a selling point to voters, offered a more moderate approach with a focus on expanding farm support programs and boosting rural job growth, our Helena Bottemiller Evich reports. She unveiled her plan in Ankeny, Iowa, before starting a 20-county swing through the state.

The proposal calls for tying farm subsidies to the cost of production, which would likely boost the amount of money that producers receive, and expanding the portion of crop insurance premiums that are covered by taxpayers. Klobuchar would also hike funding for disaster aid and conservation programs that pay farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.

Gillibrand's plan drew praise from former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who called it "unique" for its focus on helping rural communities lead the effort to bolster their own economies, the Associated Press reports. The proposal includes a new $50 billion USDA block grant program for rural health care, infrastructure and other needs.

Yet another candidate, Sen. Cory Booker (N.J.), is releasing draft legislation today that would encourage sustainable agriculture and other "nature-based" strategies for combating climate change, reports Pro Energy's Anthony Adragna. The bill would include billions of dollars to encourage climate-friendly farm practices and support renewable energy projects for farmers and rural businesses.