Congress is Talking About Your Food ... Join the Discussion

25/05/07 "The farm bill is one of the most significant pieces of legislation that Congress will enact this year," says American Farmland Trust (AFT) President Ralph Grossi. "It affects how taxpayers' money will be spent on farm and food programs that influence everything from what's available in grocery stores and who is eligible for food stamps, to what farmers grow and how farmers take care of our environment."

The reality is, Grossi says, "the farm bill is not well understood or known by most consumers." Coleman Natural Foods (CNF) and AFT set out to raise awareness of the federal legislation enacted every five to seven years that sets the general direction for America's farm and food policy by producing a new brochure and website.

As ranchers and farmers, the stewardship of natural resources is one of the key components of a CNF philosophy to always work toward passing on to the next generation an inheritance that's in better condition than when it was received.

"Farm policy is poised to enter a new era that will promote the economic viability of family farms and ranches, encourage organic and sustainable agriculture, and support land and water conservation," said Mel Coleman, Jr., chairman of Coleman Natural Foods. "It's not just about farms. It is our Farm and Food Bill."

Coleman and Grossi recently visited members of Congress about the 2007 Farm Bill. "I found the senators and representatives eager to hear from constituents about their concerns," said Coleman. "They have tough decisions to make since there is no excess funding in the budget. They genuinely want to know what programs are working, what the public values and which direction they should take to craft a farm bill that best meets the needs of the public."

Ralph Grossi agrees. "Members of the House and Senate are debating the biggest piece of legislation that affects our food, farming and the conservation of our nation's natural resources. The public should have great interest in the outcome of this legislation, and I encourage people to learn how to get involved now -- by reading the brochure or checking out the website. We only get the chance every five to seven years to speak up and debate the farm bill."

"Congress is Talking About Your Food" and the corresponding website, http://www.ourhealthyland.org, give consumers an overview of the federal farm bill, and suggests ways in which they can become informed and join the 2007 Farm Bill debate. The website also offers consumers access to specific resources for further information concerning U.S. farm and food policy.