As federal lawmakers look for ways to cut costs, farm subsidy programs are one possible target that could be on the chopping block.

The federal government pays farmers subsidies to offer assistance as they weather unpredictable growing conditions and fluctuating crop prices.

But some advocacy groups argue the subsidies amount to wasteful spending, with many recipients not farming at all.

The Environmental Working Group, a Washington-based nonprofit, has spent years lobbying Congress to end the direct payments. Each year, EWG compiles farm subsidy payments into a national database.

The government paid about $42.5 million in farm subsidies to individuals with Erie County addresses between 1995 and 2010, according to EWG data. This includes:

– $19.9 million in commodity subsidies.
– $10.7 million in crop insurance subsidies.
– $4.03 million in conservation subsidies.
– $7.93 million in disaster subsidies.

Troyer Growers, Inc., received the largest check in 2010. The Waterford company was paid $34,236, according to EWG data.

Other top local recipients are listed on the group’s website.

Enter a ZIP code in the box below to search recipients: