We Need a Better Deal
From the Farm and Food Policy Project >
Help Restore the Balance: Tell Congress We Need a Better Deal
We need your help. The House and Senate are nearing a final compromise on the Farm Bill. As competing proposals emerge, we need to ensure that the final legislation has our priorities for a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable farm and food system. You can help deliver this message to your Representative and two Senators today:
Dear [Your Member of Congress]:
As the Farm Bill enters the final stages of conference between the House and Senate versions, I am writing as a constituent to urge you to champion a final bill that:
- Increases funding for nutrition assistance programs by at least $9 billion to ensure that more Americans are able to afford food.
- Increases conservation funding by at least $5 billion to help farmers and ranchers protect water quality, support wildlife habitat, and transition to more sustainable practices.
- Maintains the funding levels in the House bill and incorporates the best policy provisions from both bills to support beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
- Includes the highest funding levels and best policy provisions from the two bills for farmers’ markets, organic farming research and financial assistance, value-added and micro-enterprise grants, fair competition and market access, community food programs, and local food systems.
- Does not shortchange these national priorities for a costly permanent disaster program.
These provisions are vital to ensure the integrity, health, and quality of our farm and food system. I urge you to help restore balance to our farm and food system by working for these priorities.Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]