Introduced by: Charles W. Henrichs, MD – Delegate, Henderson County Medical Society
Referred to: Reference Committee No. 1 – Timothy M. Beittel, MD, Chair
WHEREAS, Obesity is the epidemic of the 21st century; and
WHEREAS, even Vice President Joe Biden has said obesity is likely to kill more Americans than terrorism; and
WHEREAS, High Fructose Corn Syrup has been implicated at least in part with the ongoing epidemic of obesity; and
WHEREAS, there are other substitutes for high fructose corn syrup; and
WHEREAS, the corn industry is subsidized by at least 1-3 billion dollars every year and in 2011 was given 6 billion dollars in subsidized money; and
WHEREAS, the majority of this money was not given to farmers rather industrialized food corporations; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the North Carolina Medical Society supports an end to all corn subsidies from the state or federal level that contribute to or support consumable corn end-products or that is not directed toward farm relief. (policy)
Fiscal Note: No additional funding above current resources estimated. Current resources will be allocated based on the priorities of the Society and the NCMS budget.
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at 5:39 pm
I firmly agree that federal subsidies of many kinds should be cut. It is appropriate for our medical society to become involved in cutting subsidies that adversely affect health. Why restrict that to corn? I also agree with the comments made regarding restricting use of food stamps.
at 10:49 am
How to identify downstream use of corn and remove subsidy in instances where it become high fructose corn syrup is very challenging. I would think taxing products with “high fructose corn syrup” may be an easier way to discourage the products from everyday diets.
at 9:23 am
I too am personally against crop subsidies of all kinds. I’m just not sure the NCMS should get mixed up in the subject. In the past we have debated a “sugar tax” and eliminating junk foods from the EBT (food stamp) system. I think these strategies are more appropriate for a state medical organization.
at 12:19 pm
This resolution was submitted on behalf of Scott Donaldson MD, Henderson County, NC Medical Society member.