National Resources for Food & Farm Issues
Historically, Friends of Family Farmers has been focused at a state level for policy and legislation. A lot of the agricultural policy that directly affects farmers and ranchers in our state is set at a state level, and since no one else is a voice for sustainable agricultural or socially responsible famers and ranchers, that is where we see the biggest need.
But we recognize how important Federal agricultural policy is for all of us, eaters and farmers alike, so within our limited resources we are researching the issues and weighing in. We rely heavily on the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition for guidance.
Action Alerts
NSAC fights the Farm Bill Extension Bill – Sign the Petition (July 31st)
June 27th: Fight the “Monsanto Protection Act” in the U.S. House this week!
National Resources
Check out the websites of some of the great organizations focused on National Food and Agriculture Policy. Note their lastest Action Alerts for weighing in on some very important amendments to the current draft of the 2012 Farm Bill.
Deadline July 23rd: FSA seeks farmer comments on improving loan options for small farmers.
Farm Bill Process
Here is where the House Farm Bill stands on July 19th, 2012, including possible next steps.
Here is the current House Farm Bill after markup, July 2012.
Here are the latest amendment victories on the Senate’s version of the Farm Bill, June 2012.
Read about the Farm Bill Teach-in hosted by author Dan Imhoff and Congressman Earl Blumenauer here>>
US Agriculture Census 2012
2012 is an Agricultural Census year – MAKE SURE YOU GET COUNTED! This has far-reaching ramifications, especially with regards to how much money is allotted, how agricultural “trends” are tracked (like organics, “specialty crops”, etc), and it is super helpful to show that there are more new young folks getting engaged in agriculture now who need policy and legislative help! Get on the list here>>
