As many of you know, Congress is currently crafting a new Farm Bill that will take effect next year. The Congressional ‘Super Committee’ is expected to make recommendations for significant cuts to the 2012 Farm Bill in the next few weeks, if not days. These cuts will impact farmers, especially small and organic ones, food assistance programs, farmers’ market promotion, community food projects, organic farming research and more.
We spoke to Kellie and Ben Deen of Savannah River Farms about the proposed legislation, and they expressed their support of the Local Food, Farms and Jobs Act which is part of the Farm Bill. The Act will increase funding to small farmers pursuing national organic certification and to underserved communities seeking greater access to fresh, local produce.
The legislation helps farmers and ranchers by addressing production, aggregation, processing, marketing, and distribution needs to access growing local and regional food markets. The measure provides secure farm bill funding for critically important programs that support family farms, expand new farming opportunities, create rural jobs, and invest in the local food and agriculture economy.
Please call your elected representatives to express your support of local, organic farms and food networks. We won’t get the chance to influence the creation of another farm bill for 4 to 5 years, so speak out now for the food and farmers you love!
Senators:
Saxby Chambliss
Phone: 202-224-3521
Email: www.chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Email
Johnny Isakson
Phone: (202) 224-3643
Email: www.isakson.senate.gov/contact.cfm
Representatives:
Jack Kingston
Phone: 202-225-5831
Email: https://kingstonforms.house.gov/ContactForm/default.aspx
John Barrow
Phone: 202-225-2823
Email: https://forms.house.gov/barrow/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm
For more information on the farm bill issues, visit the links below:
Farm Bill Info
Local Food Act Info
More Farm Bill Info
