Opening Up the Debate on Farm Policy

It's called the farm bill, but it might be appropriate to call it the food bill. After all, fewer than 1 percent of Americans work in agriculture, while all Americans eat.
As I previously noted, the farm bill is largely written by and for farm interests, and there has been little interest in changing federal food policy, until now. Those concerned about the effects of U.S. farm policy on the environment and nutrition are taking an interest in the farm bill, now being drafted. Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Oregon) has decided that food policy should reflect the interests of all Americans, not just those who work in agriculture, and is promoting what he calls The Food & Farm Bill of Rights:

1. Americans have a right to a policy free of special interest giveaways.
2. American taxpayers have a right to a fiscally responsible policy.
3. Americans have a right to a policy that serves all farmers.
4. Americans have a right to a safe and healthful food supply.
5. American children have a right to good nutrition.
6. Americans have a right to local supplies of fresh food.
7. Americans have a right to a policy that promotes energy independence.
8. Americans have a right to a policy that protects the environment.
9. Americans have a right to preserve farmland from sprawl.
10. Americans have a right to a policy that fosters sustainable farming practices.

Another group, called the Farm and Food Policy Project, is pushing for food policy reform to improve the availability of healthy, fresh and local food. You can learn how farm policy has affects the way we deplete environment resources, waste energy and subsidize obesity and its related health problems. You can also join them in sending a message to Congress.