posted by Patricia Hohl
At Thoreau Farm, farming is part of our heritage. The agricultural history of our region runs deep. In Concord, we are fortunate to have several farms we can support by “eating locally.” Though their work is often made difficult by policies enacted by our government. Buying local vegetables is not only good for our health it’s good for the environment and the local economy. Yet, some of the biggest obstacles to the success of local farms are policies set forth in the Farm Bill, up for review in 2012.
Now, four legislators from states where large farms are heavily subsidized through the Farm Bill are trying to make changes to the 2012 Farm Bill through the supercommittee – charged with creating an outline to reduce the national deficit by November 23. If their recommendations are folded into the supercommittee’s package, we could see five more years of food policy signed into law without so much as a spirited debate. This kills any chance for real reforms for local food until the next Farm Bill comes up in 2017
THIS IS NOT DEMOCRACY.
You can read more about this in Mark Bittman’s commentary on the NY Times blog.
YOU CAN TAKE ACTION!
Tell your Representative that you care about America’s family farmers and support the right to an open and transparent Food and Farm Bill. (If you don’t know who your Representative in Congress is, you can find out at Find Your Representative.)
Food Democracy Now! Has created a campaign to help stop this undemocratic process. You can join the campaign and learn more at Food Democracy Now! Kill The Secret Farm Bill.
You can also ask your Representative to support the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act (S. 1773, H.R. 3286). Recently proposed by Congresswoman Chellie Pingree of Maine, this act would expand opportunities for local and regional farmers and make it easier for consumers to have access to healthy foods. Read more on Representative Pingree’s website here: Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act. Three Massachusetts Representatives have co-sponsored this bill – Edward Markey, James McGovern, and John Olver. Check out who the other co-sponsors are and keep up to date with the status of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act here: govtrack.us.
At Thoreau Farm, farming is in our roots.