Part of the cliff-avoidance legislative package left much of our agriculture sector still standing on the edge.
The 2008 Farm Bill was renewed until September. Doesn't sound bad until you realize that no change is a reactionary move. The kinds of programs we'd hoped to see more of - in support of small farms, conservation, generational transition among farmers, etc. aren't going to happen any time soon. Subsidies of conventional crops, some of which are now seen as not much needed even by the farmers, will continue.
Here's a short story from this morning on NPR
http://www.npr.org/2013/01/03/168515101/farmers-frustrated-by-farm-bill-extension
Why did this happen? Because even though the Sentate passed a new and more progressive farm bill in early summer, and the House Agriculture community moved it along, House leadership failed to bring it to the floor. So are all those rural folks going to continue to vote Republican? Why?
Many ag advocacy organizations worked for a modified extension. We here of the Interfaith Sustainable Agriculture Collaborative signed on. But it just didn't have the traction needed.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition called the extension of the 2008 bill "awful" - which I think is more disparaging than using profanity would have been.
A quick internet search revealed that both sustainable and conventional agriculture leadership are complaining. Conventional dairy farmers got caught in the price fixing bind. Consumers may celebrate that milk prices do not rise, but it's inevitable that they will eventually as more dairymen and women go out of business.
A few useful programs in the 2008 bill had been unfunded since the fall - but they were refunded by this extension. Some of them are even programs that help reduce negative environmental impacts of farming. And SNAP is fully funded again for now, though the fiscal reactionaries are breathing fire in its direction.
Showing posts with label farm bill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label farm bill. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
2012 in review
How instructive to look back through my calendar and this blog and see what was accomplished (and not) this year. Seems like I have not been paying as much attention to issues at the national and global levels, but I have also done more than in any previous year locally.
In January I did a late glean of some persimmons, and not much else.
In February the meeting schedule heated up. I planted some peas in my plot and started tomato and pepper seeds inside. Our clergy conference on wellness left a whole lot to be desired from the food perspective. What we ate was pretty good and some local, but the information about diet was devoid of any eco-justice awareness.
In March I began helping with stakeholder interviews for the Food Action Plan, and the communication committee of the Food System Alliance began meeting. Joe Valentine contacted me about his interest in gleaning, and I had a first meeting with Steve Schwartz about interfaith plans. I wondered why there were so few people from ag advocacy and food system organizations at the Volunteer Center's non-profit conference.
In April interviews and communication planning for the Alliance continued, and I gave away lots of plants, mostly tomatoes, for Earth Day at Trinity.
May was meeting heavy. I found myself missing a lot of meetings at my community garden because of so many other Saturday commitments.
June brought the beginning of meetings with folks forming the county Community Garden Network, lots of meetings and interviews for the gleaning project, and some writing of introductory materials for the Food Action Plan.
July was filled with still more meetings, interviews and schmoozing activities to drum up interest in gleaning. We enlisted the support of the Community Center and the Sonoma Valley Granged. I made my debut on Mornings in Sonoma as part of the launch.
In August we finally had an introductory meeting with gleaners and formally launched the Sonoma Valley Gleaning Project - on a way too hot evening for a room with too few fans and no A/C. First gleans were backyard table grapes and model vegetable plots at Cornerstone. August also was the beginning of tabling season, promoting the Alliance and its members at the county fair and Gravenstein Fair. I wrote some quiz questions about Sonoma County ag which we used to attract attention. Meanwhile, we began our preserving parties at Trinity with zucchini pickles and relish.
The first day of September El Dorado County Master Preservers did a demo on canning fall fruit at Trinity, and late in the month we had a jam session. We tweaked the recipe I'd found last year for tomato apple jam, and between church and home kitchens probably made way too much of it! Definitely the food trend of the year among Sonoma Episcopalians. We continued gleaning - mostly apples. I volunteered at the second annual Heirloom Expo. I met with some others in the deacon community and inspired some more gleaning and other food justice efforts around California. The Food System Alliance approved the Food Action Plan. The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative was launched. And I wrapped up the month by cooking for a small retreat in 100 degree weather.
Gleaning moved from late apples to figs and walnuts in October. I created a display for the produce swap at the Sonoma Valley Grange (a partner in the gleaning project) Harvest Fair. The Food Action Plan was approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. It's hard to say what was the most fun: gleaning on beautiful autumn days, enjoying the harvest from my garden, or attending the sustainable food and wine hearing which State Senator Noreen Evans convened. I looked around that large hearing room at the city offices and, realizing how many I knew, thought, ah, these are my people.
In November the gleaning of harder to place produce began - things like persimmons and quinces. When you have to cook something it is not nearly as attractive to food programs and their clients and guests. I applaud Sonoma Valley Teen Services, where the teaching of cooking and nutrition has educated a group of young people who accept the challenge of trying anything in their small commercial kitchen. November also brought an opportunity to talk with a realtor friend about how the real estate community might cooperate with gleaning efforts around the county. I wonder what will happen with this? I was more successful at connecting folks from Gridley involved with agriculture development in Liberia with Ecology Action interns. Seems significant that this happened at a deacon's ordination. But again, I wait to see what happens next. How will these seeds grow?
As December began I realized that we had completed one full year of Food of the Month at Trinity. I noted today that I didn't always post my copy on each month's item here. We wrapped up November with masa harina, and began again with peanut butter. December is also the season of never leaving home without food - something baked with local fruit or nuts, or a preserve and some local cheese for the cheese board. And as we look to the new year, the Food Action Plan roll out begins to pick up speed as we seek endorsements from municipalities, businesses and organizations.
The Sonoma Valley Gleaning Project ended its first year (five months, really) with 1129 pounds gleaned, by 17 different volunteers, from 16 donors, on 20 occasions, to 6 local organizations.
What a year of local activity. But as I checked just now (could it have changed at the last minute?) the U.S. still doesn't have a farm bill, or even the extension of the 2008 version set to expire at midnight (in which time zone?)
In January I did a late glean of some persimmons, and not much else.
In February the meeting schedule heated up. I planted some peas in my plot and started tomato and pepper seeds inside. Our clergy conference on wellness left a whole lot to be desired from the food perspective. What we ate was pretty good and some local, but the information about diet was devoid of any eco-justice awareness.
In March I began helping with stakeholder interviews for the Food Action Plan, and the communication committee of the Food System Alliance began meeting. Joe Valentine contacted me about his interest in gleaning, and I had a first meeting with Steve Schwartz about interfaith plans. I wondered why there were so few people from ag advocacy and food system organizations at the Volunteer Center's non-profit conference.
In April interviews and communication planning for the Alliance continued, and I gave away lots of plants, mostly tomatoes, for Earth Day at Trinity.
May was meeting heavy. I found myself missing a lot of meetings at my community garden because of so many other Saturday commitments.
June brought the beginning of meetings with folks forming the county Community Garden Network, lots of meetings and interviews for the gleaning project, and some writing of introductory materials for the Food Action Plan.
July was filled with still more meetings, interviews and schmoozing activities to drum up interest in gleaning. We enlisted the support of the Community Center and the Sonoma Valley Granged. I made my debut on Mornings in Sonoma as part of the launch.
In August we finally had an introductory meeting with gleaners and formally launched the Sonoma Valley Gleaning Project - on a way too hot evening for a room with too few fans and no A/C. First gleans were backyard table grapes and model vegetable plots at Cornerstone. August also was the beginning of tabling season, promoting the Alliance and its members at the county fair and Gravenstein Fair. I wrote some quiz questions about Sonoma County ag which we used to attract attention. Meanwhile, we began our preserving parties at Trinity with zucchini pickles and relish.
The first day of September El Dorado County Master Preservers did a demo on canning fall fruit at Trinity, and late in the month we had a jam session. We tweaked the recipe I'd found last year for tomato apple jam, and between church and home kitchens probably made way too much of it! Definitely the food trend of the year among Sonoma Episcopalians. We continued gleaning - mostly apples. I volunteered at the second annual Heirloom Expo. I met with some others in the deacon community and inspired some more gleaning and other food justice efforts around California. The Food System Alliance approved the Food Action Plan. The Interfaith Sustainable Food Collaborative was launched. And I wrapped up the month by cooking for a small retreat in 100 degree weather.
Gleaning moved from late apples to figs and walnuts in October. I created a display for the produce swap at the Sonoma Valley Grange (a partner in the gleaning project) Harvest Fair. The Food Action Plan was approved by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. It's hard to say what was the most fun: gleaning on beautiful autumn days, enjoying the harvest from my garden, or attending the sustainable food and wine hearing which State Senator Noreen Evans convened. I looked around that large hearing room at the city offices and, realizing how many I knew, thought, ah, these are my people.
In November the gleaning of harder to place produce began - things like persimmons and quinces. When you have to cook something it is not nearly as attractive to food programs and their clients and guests. I applaud Sonoma Valley Teen Services, where the teaching of cooking and nutrition has educated a group of young people who accept the challenge of trying anything in their small commercial kitchen. November also brought an opportunity to talk with a realtor friend about how the real estate community might cooperate with gleaning efforts around the county. I wonder what will happen with this? I was more successful at connecting folks from Gridley involved with agriculture development in Liberia with Ecology Action interns. Seems significant that this happened at a deacon's ordination. But again, I wait to see what happens next. How will these seeds grow?
As December began I realized that we had completed one full year of Food of the Month at Trinity. I noted today that I didn't always post my copy on each month's item here. We wrapped up November with masa harina, and began again with peanut butter. December is also the season of never leaving home without food - something baked with local fruit or nuts, or a preserve and some local cheese for the cheese board. And as we look to the new year, the Food Action Plan roll out begins to pick up speed as we seek endorsements from municipalities, businesses and organizations.
The Sonoma Valley Gleaning Project ended its first year (five months, really) with 1129 pounds gleaned, by 17 different volunteers, from 16 donors, on 20 occasions, to 6 local organizations.
What a year of local activity. But as I checked just now (could it have changed at the last minute?) the U.S. still doesn't have a farm bill, or even the extension of the 2008 version set to expire at midnight (in which time zone?)
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Fair Food review
I just finished reading Fair Food by Oren B. Hesterman. This is a pretty good read which does more than many popular titles about food system reform to stress the social equity dimension.
I was surprised that with all the interest around here there was only one copy in the Sonoma County Library system. Maybe because this is less that a purist treatment? Hesterman seems intent on restoring balance to the food system, not eliminating large scale production of commodity crops. Speaking of our food system he says:
I was surprised that with all the interest around here there was only one copy in the Sonoma County Library system. Maybe because this is less that a purist treatment? Hesterman seems intent on restoring balance to the food system, not eliminating large scale production of commodity crops. Speaking of our food system he says:
On the continuum between specialization and diversification, we have veered too far toward the specialization side. We are similarly out of balance on the continua of centralization-decentralization, concentration-dispersion, and globalization-localization.
The book generated some interesting questions for me, and provided some useful definitions. Good section on the Farm Bill. There is also an extensive resource section, topically organized and annotated.
On the related website http://www.fairfoodnetwork.org/ the resources are organized in a searchable way. You plug in a key word or two, your state if you wish, and the area of interest. Maybe my searching was a little lacking, but I couldn't find anything on a topic the book made me think about. When we talk about farm to institution - why don't we mention jails and prisons? Just think if their purchasing power were increased and turned toward the local agricultural economy wherever they are...
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Legislation, legislation
There's lots of news out there about the progress of the farm bill through the Congress. Some of it is better informed than others. I've been struck by how little attention NPR pays to the largest agricultural state in their coverage.
Two of our local guys published this op ed piece in the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-imhoff-farm-bill-20120608,0,7923048.story
but I don't think their voices are loud enough to reach the other coast.
Meanwhile, I learned that a bill on preparing food for sale in the home could result in relaxing prohibitions on doing so in California as has been done in 30+ other states. AB1616 the California Homemade Food Act is making its way through the state legislature. It has cleared the Assembly, came to the full Senate, and was referred to the Senate Health Committee on June 7. This would allow, under certain guidelines, the preparation for sale of foods that do not need refrigeration. Baked goods that don't include cream fillings, meat and the like, for example, plus preserves of a certain pH or lower. Will it become law in time for this year's preserving season?
Two of our local guys published this op ed piece in the Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-imhoff-farm-bill-20120608,0,7923048.story
but I don't think their voices are loud enough to reach the other coast.
Meanwhile, I learned that a bill on preparing food for sale in the home could result in relaxing prohibitions on doing so in California as has been done in 30+ other states. AB1616 the California Homemade Food Act is making its way through the state legislature. It has cleared the Assembly, came to the full Senate, and was referred to the Senate Health Committee on June 7. This would allow, under certain guidelines, the preparation for sale of foods that do not need refrigeration. Baked goods that don't include cream fillings, meat and the like, for example, plus preserves of a certain pH or lower. Will it become law in time for this year's preserving season?
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
You can tailor and send a message to your senators
about the Farm Bill here:
http://rootsofchange.org/content/take-action-support-healthy-farm-bill
Roots of Change has made it fairly easy to voice your support for an amendment in the U.S. Senate that would redirect dollars from subsidies of commodity crops and the insurance programs for them to increased funding for food justice, conservation and support for growers of speciality crops.
(Everything but the big commodities - wheat, corn, soy, rice, cotton, etc. or maybe there is no etc., is a speciality crop. That is, fruits, vegetables, nuts.)
http://rootsofchange.org/content/take-action-support-healthy-farm-bill
Roots of Change has made it fairly easy to voice your support for an amendment in the U.S. Senate that would redirect dollars from subsidies of commodity crops and the insurance programs for them to increased funding for food justice, conservation and support for growers of speciality crops.
(Everything but the big commodities - wheat, corn, soy, rice, cotton, etc. or maybe there is no etc., is a speciality crop. That is, fruits, vegetables, nuts.)
Friday, June 1, 2012
the California perspective
Excellent Forum show on the Farm Bill today.
http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201206010900
This would be a great introduction for those who are just getting tuned in to the issues - but even food system groupies like me learned something. The whole idea that the battles around how government funds are invested in agriculture are regional more than partisan really needs to be driven home. Michael Dimmock's almost cheerleading for California agriculture also helps people see just how complex the issues are.
The anti-Monsanto hyperbole from the one caller was unfortunate. They are bad enough - no need to exaggerate, but there is a need to be specific.
The other disappointment I had was that no one picked up on the question, for which the host primed the pump, of who is doing and funding the lobbying.
http://www.kqed.org/a/forum/R201206010900
This would be a great introduction for those who are just getting tuned in to the issues - but even food system groupies like me learned something. The whole idea that the battles around how government funds are invested in agriculture are regional more than partisan really needs to be driven home. Michael Dimmock's almost cheerleading for California agriculture also helps people see just how complex the issues are.
The anti-Monsanto hyperbole from the one caller was unfortunate. They are bad enough - no need to exaggerate, but there is a need to be specific.
The other disappointment I had was that no one picked up on the question, for which the host primed the pump, of who is doing and funding the lobbying.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Farm Bill info
A little web trawling revealed these sites as good sources of Farm Bill information.
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
http://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/fbcampaign/
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
http://www.iatp.org/issue/agriculture/farm-bill
The US Senate Ag Committee
http://www.agriculture.senate.gov/
A Farm Bill primer for communities - from a health perspective
http://www.phlpnet.org/phlp/products/growing-change
While hopping from site to site, I also learned that Oxfam America is launching a video on hunger related policies tomorrow, April 12.
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/campaigns/food-justice/food-aid
National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
http://sustainableagriculture.net/our-work/fbcampaign/
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
http://www.iatp.org/issue/agriculture/farm-bill
The US Senate Ag Committee
http://www.agriculture.senate.gov/
A Farm Bill primer for communities - from a health perspective
http://www.phlpnet.org/phlp/products/growing-change
While hopping from site to site, I also learned that Oxfam America is launching a video on hunger related policies tomorrow, April 12.
http://www.oxfamamerica.org/campaigns/food-justice/food-aid
Friday, November 25, 2011
With the failure of the Super Committee
the 2011 Farm Bill is dead. That means it's the 2012 Farm Bill on which we will be working. The challenge, I think, will be to balance necessary budget cuts with the need for innovative programs, and not pit the needs of the poor against agriculture-related conservation programs in a competition for funding.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Somebody wasn't paying attention
When I got a forwarded message about the Farm Bill a couple of weeks ago I assumed that it was just another trumped up appeal for funds by a non-profit. I mean, the Farm Bill coming up is the 2012 Farm Bill, right?
Wrong.
Or maybe not wrong...
We'll need to see what happens this weekend.
Here's the story in brief.
Last month the chairs of the agriculture committees, senate and house, agreed to send a farm bill to the super committee by November 1. As of today, they still hadn't done so.
http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/farm-bill-update/
You can imagine that their committees, who are taken out of the loop here, and who represent all kinds of agricultural locales and interests, were not happy.
There is a proposal in the works. It cuts subsidies, conservation programs, and food security programs, but with little of the innovation or new, lower cost (as compared to commodity subsidies) programs we might have wished for. There are also some additional bills, adding in support for new farmers and sustainable ags - not of the committee chairs' making, obviously.
Nobody (meaning sustainable ag advocates - the site above, and some word of mouth here in Sonoma County) knows whether something will get to the Supercommittee by November 7. It may all blow up.
Let's hope it does, because this is not what we had hoped for at the time of the 2007(8) Farm Bill. The conversation about food and agriculture has broadened and deepened in this country, and to not have the public conversation we are poised for - well, it simply underscores the frustration so many of us are feeling - frustration with being dealt out of the political process while the big boys buy and sell influence.
If the bill is delivered Monday, it will be posted, and I'm told that sustainable ag advocates here in California will review it and get their comments to Xavier Becerra, who is the only Californian on the supercommittee. Because we Callifornians aren't part of the wheat-soy-corn trifecta, we win far less than our share of supports and helpful programs. This is especially pointed when you consider just how much of the country's food we do produce.
Wrong.
Or maybe not wrong...
We'll need to see what happens this weekend.
Here's the story in brief.
Last month the chairs of the agriculture committees, senate and house, agreed to send a farm bill to the super committee by November 1. As of today, they still hadn't done so.
http://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/farm-bill-update/
You can imagine that their committees, who are taken out of the loop here, and who represent all kinds of agricultural locales and interests, were not happy.
There is a proposal in the works. It cuts subsidies, conservation programs, and food security programs, but with little of the innovation or new, lower cost (as compared to commodity subsidies) programs we might have wished for. There are also some additional bills, adding in support for new farmers and sustainable ags - not of the committee chairs' making, obviously.
Nobody (meaning sustainable ag advocates - the site above, and some word of mouth here in Sonoma County) knows whether something will get to the Supercommittee by November 7. It may all blow up.
Let's hope it does, because this is not what we had hoped for at the time of the 2007(8) Farm Bill. The conversation about food and agriculture has broadened and deepened in this country, and to not have the public conversation we are poised for - well, it simply underscores the frustration so many of us are feeling - frustration with being dealt out of the political process while the big boys buy and sell influence.
If the bill is delivered Monday, it will be posted, and I'm told that sustainable ag advocates here in California will review it and get their comments to Xavier Becerra, who is the only Californian on the supercommittee. Because we Callifornians aren't part of the wheat-soy-corn trifecta, we win far less than our share of supports and helpful programs. This is especially pointed when you consider just how much of the country's food we do produce.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Farm Bill, Global Hunger and local onions
In an attempt to raise awareness (and funds) American Jewish World Service has posted an interesting quiz. How much do you know about the impact of our Farm Bill on the hungry of the world? Are you ready for the 2012 Farm Bill campaign?
I thought I knew a lot, but only got 12 of 14. There's always something to learn.
http://ajws.org/hunger/ghs/quiz.html?autologin=true&utm_source=food_justice&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=quiz#
And this reminds me. I met a man on Sunday who does all the "right things" in his garden in the Sonoma Valley, but still asserts that we need American industrial agriculture to produce enough for the world. We had a great conversation about many things - this is a lifelong learner in the sense that every gardener is, but also in an openness to learn about global issues around agriculture and food.
Apparently Lowell has a tradition of every fall bringing pumpkins and winter squashes to church to sell. He brings them, and asks people to make a donation to the church for what they want. This year he had a bumper onion crop, and brought some lovely ones. I'm suggesting that he do it with every crop. (I sensed a certain weariness on the part of his wife with the tyranny of husband induced bumper crops and the need to can and freeze.) Anyway, I'm going to dig up and print out a few articles on the promise of ecological agriculture for the developing world for Lowell.
I thought I knew a lot, but only got 12 of 14. There's always something to learn.
http://ajws.org/hunger/ghs/quiz.html?autologin=true&utm_source=food_justice&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=quiz#
And this reminds me. I met a man on Sunday who does all the "right things" in his garden in the Sonoma Valley, but still asserts that we need American industrial agriculture to produce enough for the world. We had a great conversation about many things - this is a lifelong learner in the sense that every gardener is, but also in an openness to learn about global issues around agriculture and food.
Apparently Lowell has a tradition of every fall bringing pumpkins and winter squashes to church to sell. He brings them, and asks people to make a donation to the church for what they want. This year he had a bumper onion crop, and brought some lovely ones. I'm suggesting that he do it with every crop. (I sensed a certain weariness on the part of his wife with the tyranny of husband induced bumper crops and the need to can and freeze.) Anyway, I'm going to dig up and print out a few articles on the promise of ecological agriculture for the developing world for Lowell.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Finally a report on the farm bill
and why haven't I found this site before?
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis offers this three page summary of what was and was not done.
http://www.iatp.org/iatp/commentaries.cfm?refID=102665
Finally a three pager that isn't just from the perspective of grapes or cows or a chemical company, but gives a comprehensive look at what finally happened, albeit with a left leaning slant.
Many media outlets overlooked the modest but progressive provisions in the farm bill which will reward conservation efforts, encourage organic farming, and prefer local sourcing of food in some government subsidized feeding programs - all good steps.
Also ethanol incentives begin to move away from corn and toward other native cellulosic plants.
But here's the sobering fact offered as context for this report: Cargill's earnings in April 2008 were up 86% over the same period a year ago - a trend that has been going on for a decade.
If we complain when oil companies make big profits while gasoline prices rise, where's the outrage over this statistic when food prices are skyrocketing?
The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy in Minneapolis offers this three page summary of what was and was not done.
http://www.iatp.org/iatp/commentaries.cfm?refID=102665
Finally a three pager that isn't just from the perspective of grapes or cows or a chemical company, but gives a comprehensive look at what finally happened, albeit with a left leaning slant.
Many media outlets overlooked the modest but progressive provisions in the farm bill which will reward conservation efforts, encourage organic farming, and prefer local sourcing of food in some government subsidized feeding programs - all good steps.
Also ethanol incentives begin to move away from corn and toward other native cellulosic plants.
But here's the sobering fact offered as context for this report: Cargill's earnings in April 2008 were up 86% over the same period a year ago - a trend that has been going on for a decade.
If we complain when oil companies make big profits while gasoline prices rise, where's the outrage over this statistic when food prices are skyrocketing?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Farm Bill Finale
With all the sites for info on the Farm Bill, you'd think one would have gotten up a quick update on what was actually passed (which the President has vetoed, but Congress has the votes to over ride).
Some lobbying groups have published what's in it for them, but it's a little like the blind men and the elephant trying to get a picture of the whole.
It's certainly safe to say that it didn't go far enough to reform subsidies, especially given the impact of subsidies on agriculture in countries not rich enough to have them. Some crops were added and there is more support for fruit and veg, not a bad thing if you are going to have subsidies at all. About 10% of the cost of the bill is for crop subsidies.
I think most of us who had things to say about US farm policy early in 2007 realized we weren't going to win this time - but there is progress because conversation about the farm bill seemed much more widespread this time. Or is that just the people with whom I hang out with?
To those who didn't want this bill passed, I have to say that I am not sure programs for the hungry and the malnourished could go much longer without the enactment of some legislation. The widening gap between rich and poor in this country and rising food prices are combining to increase pressure on domestic food aid programs at a time when stocks in food banks, etc., are down. It's not a pretty picture. 2/3 of the cost of this bill is for food stamps, emergency food aid, and nutrition programs.
Some other things: there were incentives for biofuels. Apparently some were of the kind we like to see - conversion of waste to energy sources. Some most clearly were not - crops for fuel instead of crops for food.
I'll be trying to find out more over the next few weeks.
Some lobbying groups have published what's in it for them, but it's a little like the blind men and the elephant trying to get a picture of the whole.
It's certainly safe to say that it didn't go far enough to reform subsidies, especially given the impact of subsidies on agriculture in countries not rich enough to have them. Some crops were added and there is more support for fruit and veg, not a bad thing if you are going to have subsidies at all. About 10% of the cost of the bill is for crop subsidies.
I think most of us who had things to say about US farm policy early in 2007 realized we weren't going to win this time - but there is progress because conversation about the farm bill seemed much more widespread this time. Or is that just the people with whom I hang out with?
To those who didn't want this bill passed, I have to say that I am not sure programs for the hungry and the malnourished could go much longer without the enactment of some legislation. The widening gap between rich and poor in this country and rising food prices are combining to increase pressure on domestic food aid programs at a time when stocks in food banks, etc., are down. It's not a pretty picture. 2/3 of the cost of this bill is for food stamps, emergency food aid, and nutrition programs.
Some other things: there were incentives for biofuels. Apparently some were of the kind we like to see - conversion of waste to energy sources. Some most clearly were not - crops for fuel instead of crops for food.
I'll be trying to find out more over the next few weeks.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Farm Bill update
Advocacy does make a difference.
From the Episcopal Public Policy Network
1/23/2008
The Farm Bill: Right now versions of the Farm Bill have passed both the House and the Senate. Neither is all that we would have hoped. Now, a conference committee is working to hammer out the differences to come up with a final bill for passage. President Bush has promised to veto both chambers’ version of the bill, in part because neither makes changes to the unfair commodity-payment system as urged by Episcopalians and other advocates. This veto threat gives important leverage to reform proponents.
I will certainly be happy when our legislators stop electioneering and jockeying for position with the candidates - and get back to addressing issues.
From the Episcopal Public Policy Network
1/23/2008
The Farm Bill: Right now versions of the Farm Bill have passed both the House and the Senate. Neither is all that we would have hoped. Now, a conference committee is working to hammer out the differences to come up with a final bill for passage. President Bush has promised to veto both chambers’ version of the bill, in part because neither makes changes to the unfair commodity-payment system as urged by Episcopalians and other advocates. This veto threat gives important leverage to reform proponents.
I will certainly be happy when our legislators stop electioneering and jockeying for position with the candidates - and get back to addressing issues.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Messy Links
My list of links is getting out of hand!
Short of a complete reorganization, I just grouped all the ones directly related to the Farm
Bill at the beginning and double checked them to be sure they all still go somewhere, so that they would be useful for informing contacts with senators. It's expected that the bill will be voted in the Senate Ag Committee on October 24.
Tip: if you only have time to read one thing, check out the California Coalition on Food and Farming for recommendations on what to talk to your senators' offices about.
Short of a complete reorganization, I just grouped all the ones directly related to the Farm
Bill at the beginning and double checked them to be sure they all still go somewhere, so that they would be useful for informing contacts with senators. It's expected that the bill will be voted in the Senate Ag Committee on October 24.
Tip: if you only have time to read one thing, check out the California Coalition on Food and Farming for recommendations on what to talk to your senators' offices about.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
now is the time to write to your senator
The House of Representatives did some good, but not nearly enough, with the Farm Bill before summer recess.
Now some in the Senate are trying to push the envelope on reform, led by the chair of the Senate ag committee, Tom Harkin of Iowa. When somebody from Iowa says it's time for a change in the way we do ag, it's definitely time for a change. But the transition toward a more sustainable and just farm policy will take money.
Looks like next week is when mark-up of the bill in committee will happen.
So please - write to your senators and ask them to support Harkin's efforts.
And follow any of the links related to the farm bill for more information. (Californians: see California Coalition for Food and Farming on the list to the right for the latest.)
Now some in the Senate are trying to push the envelope on reform, led by the chair of the Senate ag committee, Tom Harkin of Iowa. When somebody from Iowa says it's time for a change in the way we do ag, it's definitely time for a change. But the transition toward a more sustainable and just farm policy will take money.
Looks like next week is when mark-up of the bill in committee will happen.
So please - write to your senators and ask them to support Harkin's efforts.
And follow any of the links related to the farm bill for more information. (Californians: see California Coalition for Food and Farming on the list to the right for the latest.)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
greening the church
September 23 bulletin insert focuses on 'a fair harvest,' the U.S. Farm Bill
September 17, 2007 [Episcopal News Service] Fairness for farmers and food for the hungry at home and abroad, and how you can help are the main ingredients in the September 23 Episcopal Life bulletin insert
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90098_ENG_HTM.htm
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78650_8852_ENG_HTM.htm
September 17, 2007 [Episcopal News Service] Fairness for farmers and food for the hungry at home and abroad, and how you can help are the main ingredients in the September 23 Episcopal Life bulletin insert
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_90098_ENG_HTM.htm
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/78650_8852_ENG_HTM.htm
Friday, August 10, 2007
Today's News - 3 Things to Check Out
Marion Nestle just plain makes sense. I learned today listening to Science Friday that she has a blog with the same title as her most recent book, What to Eat. Check it out here:
http://www.whattoeatbook.com/
In my links list you'll find Science Friday. Usually it takes them a day or so to get the broadcast up in podcast form. Do listen to today's second hour with Marion (okay - I feel like I know her, and you will, too, after reading and listening) and Michael Pollan and others on the Farm Bill. Hope remains that the Senate might do something more creative than the House when all get back from their summer vacations.
There's also a blog item on SciFri about urban agriculture with some helpful comments and many links:
http://www.sciencefriday.com/blog/index.php?/archives/200-Urban-Agriculture-and-Eating-Local.html
http://www.whattoeatbook.com/
In my links list you'll find Science Friday. Usually it takes them a day or so to get the broadcast up in podcast form. Do listen to today's second hour with Marion (okay - I feel like I know her, and you will, too, after reading and listening) and Michael Pollan and others on the Farm Bill. Hope remains that the Senate might do something more creative than the House when all get back from their summer vacations.
There's also a blog item on SciFri about urban agriculture with some helpful comments and many links:
http://www.sciencefriday.com/blog/index.php?/archives/200-Urban-Agriculture-and-Eating-Local.html
Friday, July 27, 2007
Do you live in a farm state?
Well, the Farm Bill is all over the news now that it is being considered on the floor of the house. There was a story on my local Fox affiliate (I watch it for the weather) a few nights ago, and I stayed in bed an extra quarter hour this morning to hear the NPR coverage. Things have heated up on the ecunet list "Farm Bill", too.
It's interesting to me that issues are not covered until they come to a head legislatively, when your average citizen can't do much about it. Interesting, but not surprising. We are a nation of consumers, not citizens - we consume our news, rather than using it to shape our lives and common will.
But I digress.
The most interesting thing in the Morning Edition piece was a reference to how Nancy Pelosi had to consider farm state interests. Apparently neither Nancy nor the NPR folks realize that she IS from a farm state. Where do they think the lettuce, spinach, nuts, wine and cheese come from?
Really, there is this bias, which comes up on the ecunet (actually Luther Link) list, too - that farming is about the Midwest.
I spent a day with two high school classmates this week, one from Florida and one from Southern California. We were viewing Sonoma County cows and talking about the Happy Cow ad campaign - and the Floridian said she had only recently heard of California cheese. Where she lives it's only about Wisconsin.
California has been the leading dairy state for years, and is catching up with Wisconsin in quantity of cheese produced. California also excels in the variety of cheeses offered, including Mexican style and artisan.
(In checking the facts on California cheese, I stumbled upon a web site called America Eats with all sorts of interesting articles. Link to the right - check it out!)
And finally to the point - if we all thought of ourselves as coming from "farm states" wouldn't it make a difference in the way we develop policy and programs? Wouldn't it make a difference in food security? Wouldn't it make a difference in the environmental impact of our growing, sourcing and eating practices?
It's interesting to me that issues are not covered until they come to a head legislatively, when your average citizen can't do much about it. Interesting, but not surprising. We are a nation of consumers, not citizens - we consume our news, rather than using it to shape our lives and common will.
But I digress.
The most interesting thing in the Morning Edition piece was a reference to how Nancy Pelosi had to consider farm state interests. Apparently neither Nancy nor the NPR folks realize that she IS from a farm state. Where do they think the lettuce, spinach, nuts, wine and cheese come from?
Really, there is this bias, which comes up on the ecunet (actually Luther Link) list, too - that farming is about the Midwest.
I spent a day with two high school classmates this week, one from Florida and one from Southern California. We were viewing Sonoma County cows and talking about the Happy Cow ad campaign - and the Floridian said she had only recently heard of California cheese. Where she lives it's only about Wisconsin.
California has been the leading dairy state for years, and is catching up with Wisconsin in quantity of cheese produced. California also excels in the variety of cheeses offered, including Mexican style and artisan.
(In checking the facts on California cheese, I stumbled upon a web site called America Eats with all sorts of interesting articles. Link to the right - check it out!)
And finally to the point - if we all thought of ourselves as coming from "farm states" wouldn't it make a difference in the way we develop policy and programs? Wouldn't it make a difference in food security? Wouldn't it make a difference in the environmental impact of our growing, sourcing and eating practices?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
a little irony?
I get my news eclectically, and perhaps in ways that might appear random, mainly from the radio and the internet, plus the tv for weather. I am frequently struck by what a huge proportion of it is about a) the middle east or b) celebrities I am not celebrating. Yesterday I was listening to a Robert Segal NPR interview with Colin Powell on the way home from somewhere, primarily about the war on Iraq and the senate's posturing with their overnight debate. Now here's the interesting part: toward the end of the segment, in identifying that legislators do have other things to deal with, Powell mentioned two farm bill issues! Interesting that a retired general and secretary of state notices - while almost no other newsmakers or newsbenders seem to.
And the push is on - to get a faux reform bill through the Congress. The California Coalition for Food and Farming is urging Californians to let Speaker Pelosi know how they feel about this.
There IS coverage of the issues in the print media.
And the push is on - to get a faux reform bill through the Congress. The California Coalition for Food and Farming is urging Californians to let Speaker Pelosi know how they feel about this.
There IS coverage of the issues in the print media.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Still more on the Farm Bill
Michael Krasny did a nice hour on the Farm Bill this morning. You can scroll down and listen or download here.
http://www.kqed.org/programs/program-landing.jsp?progID=RD19
I was amazed at some of the email comments he read toward the end of the show. People in the Bay Area can be so myopic. (And a myopic liberal isn't really any better than a myopic conservative, IMHO.) Sure we need major change in farm subsidies - we need to value different things - but conventional farmers live pretty close to the edge financially, and there must be a plan for transition over a period of time. The vision should be clear by now, but the solution is going to be complex, which may be why congressmembers and senators seem short of the nerve to tackle it.
http://www.kqed.org/programs/program-landing.jsp?progID=RD19
I was amazed at some of the email comments he read toward the end of the show. People in the Bay Area can be so myopic. (And a myopic liberal isn't really any better than a myopic conservative, IMHO.) Sure we need major change in farm subsidies - we need to value different things - but conventional farmers live pretty close to the edge financially, and there must be a plan for transition over a period of time. The vision should be clear by now, but the solution is going to be complex, which may be why congressmembers and senators seem short of the nerve to tackle it.
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