| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 6:36:28 PM
There is a piece on the Farm Aid web site:
"Its Farm Bill time again. More than just a piece of legislation, the Farm Bill affects everyone who eats, sells, buys or grows food. At its origin, it was designed to make sure that everyone had enough to eat, farmers earned a living and our soil and water stayed healthy. Learn more about what's in the bill and you will be surprised.
What is it? The Farm Bill is an omnibus legislation (it deals with many subjects and programs) which Congress writes, debates and passes every 5 to 7 years. Once passed, the Farm Bill moves into appropriations (a process that determines how much money each program receives). This happens every year until a new Farm Bill is written."
and
"How can I learn more? Dan Imhoff has written a fantastic primer on the Farm Bill, its evolution, impacts and hopes for the future: "Food Fight: The Citizen's Guide to a Food and Farm Bill." Or, ask us. Farm Aid works closely with many organizations that are working towards food and farm policies that will create strong food systems and thriving farm communities.
What can I do? The ball is already rolling hard and fast on the 2007 Farm Bill but it is never too late to call your Congressman or Representative and tell them that you want a farm bill that rewards farmers for taking care of the land, that puts fresh food in our schools and neighborhoods, helps young people get into farming and restores fairness in the marketplace. Let them know that you care about the Farm Bill - because it affects all of us, every single day."
They have a study guide posted on their web site at
http://www.farmaid.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7857&JServSessionIdr008=8xjodyklw2.app8b
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jul 26 2007 : 03:17:00 AM
Yes, I think it's really important to write to our congressmen and let them know what's on our minds. One of mine is sending out surveys about whether or not he should sponsor a bill about desecration of the flag....
Now of course I think that no one should desecrate the flag, but, doesn't the Congress have more important things to worry about? Like promoting family farms in addition to supporting corporate farms, for example!!!!!
The link in the post above makes it really easy to contact them.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 9:00:33 PM
Wow, thanks, I have more reading to do but what a great education!!!!
Carol Sue
Enjoying life. |
| brightmeadow |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 7:59:41 PM
I just received the following letter from my church - it must mean that it is TIME TO WRITE our congressmen about the 2007 Farm Bill...
In New Testament times the economy of the Roman Empire was substantially based on agricultural exploitation through plantations controlled by the super-rich of that time and through burdensome taxes on independent peasants. Though economic and agricultural structures are significantly different in the contemporary United States and in the world, there are still injustices that distort the value to society of the amazing productivity of U. S. farmers and ranchers. Current consideration of the reauthorization of Department of Agriculture programs provide an excellent opportunity to redress some injustices in the interests of healthy food, healthy farms, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.
Many of you may think of the 2007 “Farm Bill” as being of interest only to farmers. It does indeed have important implications for farmers and reform of U. S. agriculture is needed to reduce concentration and monopolization of the food supply in the hands of a few huge near-monopolies. Reshaping any financial supports for the production of crops can have a significant impact in this area. The money that could be saved by eliminating payments to the largest farms can be redirected to programs for smaller farmers, for more kinds of farmers instead of just to those producing wheat, corn, rice, soybeans, and cotton; as well as for other purposes in the Farm Bill. Money is also needed to support minority farmers, farmers who have suffered unjust discrimination, and new farmers trying to compete on a tilted farming field.
If you are interested in fighting poverty in the United States and around the world you will want to strengthen the Food Stamps program and other anti-hunger programs that will be reauthorized in the farm bill as well as reshaping commodity supports and trade practices that allow subsidized U.S. agricultural products to undercut low-income farmers in developing nations. If you are interested in the environment, the 2007 Farm Bill is probably the most significant environmental bill that will be passed this year. If you care about rural vitality, if you want to strengthen rural communities and reduce rural poverty, several titles in the 2007 Farm Bill are important, including one that has a provision for expanding access to Broad Band internet access just as previous farm bills provided electricity.
Please take action now on the 2007 Farm Bill at
http://ga3.org/campaign/farmbill07
I clicked on the link, it brings up a customizable, pre-drafted letter addressed to my specific congressmen (after I entered my name and address) which could be forwarded electronically or printed and mailed.
I included some of my own concerns in my letter (and gave Mary Jane Butters a mention) including some brief thoughts on Animal ID and promotion of farmer's markets. Please consider using this link or any other advocacy tool you have at your disposal while the 2007 Farm Bill is under consideration.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Libbie |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 10:10:38 PM
Thanks, Brenda, for the infomation and resources - the Farm Bill really IS something that we should all familiarize ourselves with.... Thanks again!
XOXO, Libbie
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| brightmeadow |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 7:36:42 PM
I just realized that Dan Imhoff's piece is a book - you can buy at Amazon, B&N or your favorite bookstore, not posted on the Farm Aid web site. Still might be worth an investment - or get it at the library!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| kitchensqueen |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 7:28:00 PM
Hope everyone at least takes the time to read this-- the Farm Bill has the power to make or break farmers in this country! Remember, the political is personal, and vice versa.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Now Open!: http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
| bramble |
Posted - May 21 2007 : 7:06:44 PM
Thanks Brenda, lots of good info and it's always good to know what changes they are proposing which may or may not be beneficial.Gotta go get caught up!
with a happy heart |
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