Earlier this week, Maine Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced she will introduce a bill called the The Local Farm, Food, and Jobs Act, which will "promote organic farming, local and regional farmers, farmers markets, and community-supported agriculture networks, and assist schools and low-income Americans to buy healthy food at local markets."
Cue the Happy Dance.
The Local Farm, Food, and Jobs Act is part of a larger package of reforms to the Farm Bill, modifying nine of its sixteen titles. It intends to foster economic growth in rural communities by creating jobs on small farms. Some important reforms include:
- Making it easier for farmers markets to accept food stamps.
- Giving schools the means to buy food from local sources for their school lunch and breakfast programs.
- Providing local infrastructure that allow farmers to process their products locally and more humanely.
FINALLY a piece of legislature that supports the health of the American People in a sustainable way that is oriented towards small business. This bill is a very big step in the right direction towards the type of reform that America needs to help combat the food crisis. While exciting and long-awaited, I wonder how Agribusiness's lobbyists and the lawmakers they have eating out of the palm of their hand will allow the bill to make its way to President Obama's desk. Either way, it represents a jab to the Agriculture Industry, and I hope that lawmakers continue to puncture its influence by supporting laws like this one.
En garde Agribusiness. It's officially on.
I’m glad to see that at least there is one ally in Congress fighting for agriculture reform. The bill sounds like it could definitely make a big impact with the initiative to make it easier for farmer’s markets to accept food stamps. I think that would definitely encourage lower income families to eat healthier since the food would be much more accessible. One question that this raises though, is how many farmer’s markets are in low-income neighborhoods and easy for these people to get to? While we have a farmer’s market around here, I’m sure that it’s primary success is due to the large student population. I also think you make a great point that this bill will probably be the focus of some lobbyists and I too am wondering if it will even make it to President Obama’s desk.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing my attention to this great bill!
I did the happy dance with you. (Dancing)
ReplyDeleteThat's so great. I am so glad to see the "healthier" lifestyle becoming more popular and mainstream. I see more farmers markets around town and they are the sometimes the thing in the city the residents look forward to. One of the things I loved when I moved to South Pasadena was the farmers market.
I hope that the infrastructure that is built will help bring down the cost of buying such food.The biggest thing holding me back from buying organic and greener is the cost. I still attempt to buy and eat organic and local. Today, I didn't eat at a raw organic local diner because of the high price. I can't do it all the time, but I try. :)
It's good to see that there's finally a push in the right direction for your cause. I have to admit, I'm a little unsure of this bill's ability to get passed, or if there's general support or not in the House. Regardless, an effort is an effort, and it seems like the bill is pushing for reform in specific areas.
ReplyDeleteI am a strong proponent of healthy foods, and more specifically organic foods. It pains me to see people eat unhealthily, and so I am happy that this bill was introduced.
Doing the happy dance...
I completely agree that "this bill is a very big step in the right direction towards the type of reform that America needs to help combat the food crisis." This act will make healthier options more accessible to students and low income families. I hope that this bill will make it President Obama's desk and wont be shut down by lobbyists.
ReplyDeleteI dont know why, but seeing such advancements in healthy food options really makes me happy. Im a big supporter of healthy foods and local farmers because growing up in a family who operated vineyards, I know how difficult it is for these small time farmers to own and operate such plots of land. The fact that there is now government backing to implement programs that benefit local farmers, local schools and also the local economy is a huge step for agribusiness. Its always good to see healthier food options being available in schools and for lower income areas. Without these local farms, these kids and families will still be living in "food deserts."
ReplyDelete