1. Conservation Security
Many conservation programs take land out of production; this one
offers financial support to farmers who cultivate their fields in
an environmentally sustainable manner.
2. Rural development
Too many farmers in atrophied rural communities rely on outside
jobs. Programs in the Farm Bill could help them add small-scale,
sustainable businesses to their spreads.
3. Rural energy
Farms consume a lot of energy. Alternative energy initiatives can
save farmers money while they save the environment.
4. Urban-rural connections
More and more of us are working directly with those who grow our
food. The Farm Bill can promote programs that connect us.
5. Conservation Reserve Program
An old favorite, the CRP invests in the quality of our waterways by
paying farmers to create healthy wetlands.
6. Sustainable farming research
What if biodiversity got the same research budget as genetic
engineering?
7. Antitrust laws
A tiny handful of businesses control the lion’s share of the meat
industry. It’s time to make the system work for the farmers, not
the suits.
8. Country of Origin Labeling
Is your food really local? Right now, you can’t tell. Pressure is
on to add labels that say exactly where that cow lived and
died.
9. Environmental Quality Incentives
Program
Manure is a major source of environmental contamination. Programs
in the Farm Bill help farmers clean it up without causing a major
stink.
Get Involved
These groups will be active in lobbying for environmental and
sustainable-farming issues in the 2007 Farm Bill.
WEBSITES:
Center for Rural Affairs
www.cfra.org
Community Food Security Coalition
www.foodsecurity.org
Environmental Working Group
www.ewg.org
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
www.iatp.org
Land Stewardship Project
www.landstewardshipproject.org
National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture
www.sustainableagriculture.net
National Catholic Rural Life Conference
www.ncrlc.com
The Rural Advancement Foundation International
www.rafiusa.org
Western Organization of Resource Councils
www.worc.org
Call your representatives
Tell these key legislators that you support a sustainable Farm
Bill.
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
www.agriculture.senate.gov
Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) (chair)
202/224-3521
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) (ranking member)
202/224-3254
House Agriculture Committee
www.agriculture.house.gov
Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) (chair)
202/225-5431
Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) (ranking member)
202/225-2165
