Hundreds of you have called and emailed your Senators and Representatives over the last two weeks – thank you for standing up for a fair and healthy farm and food system!
To remind readers of current action items, we summarized and linked three alerts below.
Urgent Action Needed on the Farm Bill
The food and farm bill is moving at such a rapid pace presently, and we want to make sure you are aware of the urgent actions you can take today before it’s too late. If the Agriculture Committee fulfills their goal of completing detailed food and farm bill legislation by this Tuesday November 1st, you only have a few days left to make your voice heard.
Exciting food and farm bill reforms and new proposals this week
Beginning Farmers — This week a major new bill was announced in the House and Senate! The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 (H.R. 3236; Senate bill number forthcoming), introduced by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Representatives Tim Walz of Minnesota and Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska is a comprehensive bill intended for inclusion in the 2012 Farm Bill that that helps support economic opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers.
This is our chance to ensure food security for future generations and new farming enterprises that can bring jobs and economic renewal to revitalize our nation’s communities. Ask your Two Senators and your Representative to Co-sponsor the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011! We need support from as many legislators as possible – and quickly.
Local Farms/Food — Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine announced that next week they would introduce the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act! This is a second comprehensive bill intended for inclusion in the 2012 Farm Bill – a groundbreaking opportunity for you to support local farmers and ranchers and to ensure your local food system continues to grow. Ask your two Senators and your Representative to co-sponsor the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act!