Farm Bill Needs to be Fair for All
TL/DR –
Global hunger, exacerbated by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, is affecting 47 million people in the U.S. alone. The Farm Bill, a vital piece of legislation that includes agricultural subsidies, nutrition assistance, and climate resiliency programs, is key to addressing this issue, but current proposals risk slashing its funding and further worsening food insecurity. This article argues for a more just Farm Bill, one that increases support for domestic and international nutrition programs, promotes sustainable agriculture, supports small and medium-sized farms, and confronts historical inequalities within the U.S. food system.
Addressing Hunger and Inequality with the Farm Bill
Food and nutrition are basic human necessities, yet 47 million in the U.S. and many worldwide face hunger as grocery prices rise and COVID-era benefits expire. The increasing food insecurity is exacerbated by climate crises and potential cuts to vital nutrition programs. Implementing sustainable agriculture practices and passing a just Farm Bill are critical to food justice.
The Importance of the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill greatly impacts our food system, including agricultural subsidies, nutrition assistance, and climate resilience programs. The bill, traditionally renewed every five years, has been extended until September 2024 from 2018. The bill must address hunger issues and promote sustainable agriculture to ensure food justice for future generations.
Farm Bill: A Tool to Address Hunger
Most funding in the Farm Bill supports nutrition assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), benefitting over 42 million people monthly. Current proposals in Congress threaten these support systems, aiming to reduce SNAP funding and privatize its administration. Furthermore, global nutrition programs such as the Food for Peace program are at risk of being weakened, potentially cutting off food aid for up to 2.3 million people.
Farm Bill’s Role in Climate Policy
The Farm Bill also impacts climate policy through billions of dollars in funding for land conservation and sustainable agriculture. However, some in Congress propose diverting these funds away from climate-friendly policies. As agriculture contributes over 10% of national greenhouse gas emissions, it’s crucial to maintain and expand these conservation programs in the next Farm Bill.
Corporate Impact on The Farm Bill
While beneficial programs face potential cuts, corporate lobbying efforts seek to secure their interests in the Bill. Agribusiness corporations have spent over half a billion dollars to influence the Bill, leading to proposals that disproportionately benefit large agribusinesses. These lobbying efforts have contributed to rapid consolidation in industrial agribusiness, threatening small and medium-sized farms. The new Farm Bill must rectify this by supporting these farmers and challenging the influence of large corporations.
Addressing Historical Inequalities with The Farm Bill
The Farm Bill has contributed to high levels of poverty in U.S. territories excluded from SNAP, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. It has also facilitated the discrimination against Black farmers by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The next Farm Bill must rectify these historical inequalities, ensuring all eligible groups can access the required assistance.
The Need for A Just Farm Bill
The way we grow and distribute food affects everyone. To provide real food justice, the upcoming Farm Bill should expand domestic and international nutrition programs, build upon, and improve sustainable agriculture practices, support small-scale farmers, and challenge corporate influence. Together, these modifications can transform our food system for the better. Urge Congress to pass a just Farm Bill now!
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