NSAC's Blog
This is Our Chance – Last Chance
September 29, 2011
Only once every 5 years do you have the opportunity to truly change our food and farm system through the farm bill! The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 will be introduced in Congress next week – 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. There are just a few days left to best take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity!
To get the urgent need for beginning farmers and ranchers recognized in the farm bill, we need to show big support from as many legislators as possible for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act. If you haven’t yet made a call in response to Tuesday’s alert, there is still time!
This Act will expand and improve upon proven programs that provide tools and incentives to ensure the effective start-up and success of small and mid-sized family farmers across the country.
Together we can cultivate a new generation of sustainable farmers and ranchers.
Tuesday’s message:
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Who will grow food for future generations? Act now to help launch a new generation of sustainable farmers and ranchers! |
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture called attention to a real worry when he asked: “Why not place the nation’s attention on the need for young farmers on the same plane as police officers and teachers? They are equally important to the future of this country.”
Indeed! Our nation’s farmers are aging and retiring rapidly, and beginning farmers and ranchers face tremendous obstacles entering this field. As a career choice, farming and ranching may be one of the most difficult occupations to enter. To ensure a healthy, safe, and prosperous future America urgently needs new farmers.
Today you have an extraordinary opportunity to launch a new generation of farmers and ranchers in this country!
Ask your Two Senators and your Representative to Co-sponsor the
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011!
The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Opportunity Act of 2011 is a jobs creator that helps new farmers and ranchers get a start. This is a remarkable opportunity to break down barriers to entry and give real support to aspiring farmers across this nation.
Next week the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) will be joining members of Congress and other farm groups in introducing the bill. We need support from as many legislators as possible. Can we count on you to make a call?
Categories: Action Alerts, Beginning and Minority Farmers, Commodity, Crop Insurance & Credit Programs, Conservation, Energy & Environment, Farm Bill, General Interest, Local & Regional Food Systems, Organic, Rural Development
We desperately need new knowledgeable independent farmers (as opposed to more laborers enslaved to industrial agriculture.)
The diet associated with industrial agriculture has turned out to be a health disaster.The UN Rapporteur for Food made no bones about this in September. It’s time for a course correction.
Meanwhile, in a major push-back, Big Ag has formed the US Farmers and Ranchers Alliance to “reshape the dialogue” about food in what looks like an all-out lobbying effort….
I was under the impression that the farm act was for small farmers, not large CAFOS. Can you please clarify this?