General Accounting Office Reviews of Department of Agriculture Activities

GAO discussed the results of its past year's major reviews which concerned Department of Agriculture (USDA) activities and related presidential budget proposals for fiscal year 1983. Duplicate issuances of food stamp participation authorization and other program losses amount to about $12 million annually. USDA needs to increase its efforts to upgrade the fiscal integrity of issuance procedures and to hold States liable for food stamp benefit losses. GAO found workfare to be a reasonable concept; however, it recommended changes to increase participation, shorten job-search periods, and increase penalties for noncompliance. The President's budget proposal to phase in full State responsibility for erroneous payments for food stamps and other entitlement programs would increase the State's financial liability, would provide a major incentive for better administration, and could result in savings. GAO found that all types of school lunches fell short in providing recommended levels of basic nutrients, and schools often received the wrong quantities and kinds of food as well as untimely food deliveries. Financial resources for nutrition education in schools need to be used more effectively. Other food programs which might be merged into a grant to the States or made into a block grant have had recurring problems and need improved program management. The farmer-owned grain reserve program has only partially met its objectives, and GAO has proposed adjustments for the program. Federal regulatory programs which protect futures markets and market participants should be reauthorized and improved to protect the rapidly expanding futures trading market. GAO is examining the actuarial soundness of Federal Crop Insurance premiums, the program's rates and services, and whether the program should become independent. GAO reviewed the major USDA soil conservation programs and agrees with presidential proposals that conservation assistance should be focused on high priority problems and technical assistance. GAO also reviewed agricultural credit programs and the effectiveness of the Russian grain embargo. GAO reported on a number of serious problems which exist in the maintenance of a base stock of genetic material for domestic and world food plants. GAO is also reviewing the underuse of agricultural research facilities and has recommended an examination of the Cooperative Extension Service's mission.