Every five years Congress votes on a massive piece of legislation that dramatically influences the landscape and nutrition of our nation: The Farm Bill. This piece of legislation determines what we eat and how it is grown and has huge impacts on public and environmental health. The current (2014) Farm Bill only accounts for 4% of total federal spending and includes 12 titles addressing broad topic areas.
2014 Titles in the Farm Bill
Title I- Commodities (4.2%)
1.Price Support Programs
Title II- Conservation programs (5.8%)
1.National Resource Conservation Service Programs
Title III- Trade
1.International Food Aid
Title IV- Nutrition (79.6%)
1.SNAP (Food Stamps)
2.Funding for Double Up Food Bucks and similar programs
3.Senior nutrition
4.Fresh fruit and vegetable program
Title V- Credit (loan programs)
Title VI- Rural Development
1. Infrastructure Improvement (broadband, energy, telemedicine, etc.)
2. Business development grants and assistance
3. Value-added producer grants
Title VII- Research
1. Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program
2. Cooperative Extension Funding
Title VIII- Forestry
Title IX- Energy
Bioenergy
Title X- Horticulture
Organic Agriculture
Food Safety Education
Specialty Crop Block Grants
Title XI- Crop Insurance (9.8%)
Title XII- Misc.
1. Outreach for socially disadvantaged farmers
2. Country of Origin Labeling
3. Military Veterans Liaison at USDA
4. Office for Tribal Relations at USDA
The current Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2018, and talks are already underway to craft the next edition. Encourage your representatives to support Farm Bill policies that promote the conservation of natural resources, support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, and ensure all citizens have access to safe, healthy, affordable food. Voice your opinions and share your stories. Congress needs to hear how the Farm Bill programs and policies have impacted you and your food business.
Get Involved in the Farm Bill for Michigan:
Producers:
• Share your story.
• Write a letter. Record a video. Send an email.
House Committee on Agriculture
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
• Stay up to date
Consumers:
• Ask your local food producers how the Farm Bill impacts them. Advocate for Farm Bill policies that support their work.
• Educate yourself
• Host a postcard writing party. Send an email. Write a letter.
House Committee on Agriculture
Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
More information:
• National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition’s Agenda for the 2018 Farm Bill
• Farm Bill Primer
• A Short History of the Farm Bill
• Center for Rural Affairs: Farm Bill Priorities
• Farm Bill and Public Health