The 2012 Farm Bill continues its recent history of fractious politics regarding national food and nutrition policy.  Traditionally, the Farm Bill has subsidized the production of agricultural commodities like corn and soybeans, which have been linked to health concerns like obesity and diabetes.  Food advocates, promoting issues of sustainability, health and conservation, have argued that these public subsidies are harmful and should be reconsidered in favor of promoting local foods and specialty crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts.  A NPR report and San Francisco Chronicle article summarizes a number of the issues playing out in the current 2012 Farm Bill.