The Farmplate Blog

The Farm Bill is a hefty piece of legislation with incredibly broad implications for food accessibility, economic viability of small farms, and a host of programs that impact local food systems across the country.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG.org) has brought together a long list of environmental experts, celebrity chefs, and other leaders to work for a better Farm Bill. Together, they have put together an open letter to Congress and delivered it to every member in anticipation of the Senate debate on the bill.

They are urging Congress to cut crop insurance subsidies and redirect that money into vital investments in nutrition, healthy food and conservation programs. And they make a compelling argument on how to do that without negative economic consequences.

We can all do something to improve the Farm Bill. Read more from GOOD magazine's series on the Farm Bill and click below to learn how.

“Every five years or so, Congress passes an enormous piece of legislation informally known as the Farm Bill. Outside of certain nonprofit and agribusiness circles, it doesn't get a lot of attention. But it's incredibly important, because it sets the policies that determine what America grows and eats. And surprise: The Farm Bill is pretty flawed. Over the decades, it's been distorted by business to favor unsustainable farming. It's not only wasting taxpayer money—it's making our diets worse and harming the environment.

The 2012 Farm Bill is making its way through Congress now. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group and author and activist Dan Imhoff recently joined forces to write a letter demanding that Congress pass a better Farm Bill. They recruited some other people you might have heard of (Mario Batali, Michael Pollan, Alice Waters, Wendell Berry, Will Allen, Marion Nestle) to sign on…”

Read more and show your support here > 

Or go directly to sign your name here >

Photo courtesy of City Market, Onion River Co-op.