FOIA Case Study 
 

Reporter: Sam Hananel

Publication: Associated Press

Story: “Six Kansas farms receive over $400,000 from USDA last year”

Date of publication: May 6, 2005  

Background

For two stories about agricultural subsidies to farms in Missouri and Kansas, AP reporter Sam Hananel filed a FOIA request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture seeking the top 20 subsidy recipients in each state for 2004.  The request revealed that six Kansas farms received more than $400,000 each in federal farm subsidies for that year. One farm received $508,000 – the most of any farm in the state. 

Why was this information important for the public? 

Current law limits farmers to $360,000 in subsidies a year, but with loopholes that allow farmers to exceed it. The Bush administration proposed lowering the limit to $250,000 and closing loopholes. 

What information was requested?

Through FOIA, Hananel obtained records detailing the top 20 farm subsidy recipients in Missouri and Kansas. The subsidies were broken down by crop, so the reporter could determine what the largest portion of the subsidy was for. He also received the addresses and a contact person for each farm, which were very helpful for writing the story. 

How long did the reporter wait for the requested information?

It took about a month to get the data, which Hananel considered a reasonable amount of time given the computer database searches required.  

It took several phone calls to find the right office to direct the request. Eventually, he was routed from Washington, D.C. to a regional office in Kansas City, where he sent the written FOIA request. It then took a one-page letter and a couple of phone calls to clarify what he needed. Overall, the agency was found to be helpful and responsive. 
 
 

How complete was the information?

It was very complete. There was no significant redaction. 

Were there heavy fees or objections to a fee waiver request?

The fee was waived with no questions asked.  

What has been your general experience with FOIA?

Overall, Hananel said he was pleasantly surprised by how easy the process was and how helpful the agency was in organizing the data. He said he was eager to focus on other areas where a FOIA request could get him useful information that was not already in the public domain.