I understand that Congressman Blumenauer has crafted and introduced “the Food and Farm Act,” a comprehensive alternative Farm Bill that advances four principles of agricultural reform: (1) focusing resources on those who need it most; (2) fostering innovation; (3) encouraging investments in people and the planet; and (4) ensuring access to healthy foods.
The Food and Farm Act will:
• Cut, cap, and clarify existing farm subsidy programs while increasing access for farmers who grow more than one crop (Title I);
• Expand conservation compliance and reform existing conservation programs to focus on performance to effectively achieve project goals (Title II); • Ensure our food assistance programs achieve maximum reach and efficacy by adjusting commodity requirements (Title III);
• Increase access to healthy food in food deserts and other underserved areas, schools, and at farmers markets through SNAP and other initiatives (Title IV);
• Provide resources to beginning, retiring farmers, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers (Title V);
• Establish a Food Waste Title to better prioritize food waste reduction (Title VI);
• Invest in research programs related to sustainable agriculture and help farmers and ranchers succeed in the face of a changing climate (Title VII);
• Reform USDA research and organic programs to ensure the humane treatment of animals and increase support for pasture-based systems (Title VIII); and
• Expand and reform vibrant local and regional food systems (Title IX).
The result of years of consultation with a wide array of stakeholders, the Food and Farm Act puts farmers, families, and the environment first in our country’s food policy. I strongly urge you to support it. Thanks.
First sent on June 18, 2023 by Jess Craven
