Every five to seven years, Congress passes a little understood legislation called the Farm Bill. To a large extent, the Farm Bill writes the rules and sets the playing field for America’s contemporary food system, determining what we eat, how much it costs, and where it is grown. You may not be happy with what you learn. In this excerpt from Daniel Imhoff’s Food Fight (Watershed Media, 2012), read about the current state of American farmers and how the Farm Bill affects this vital community. The following excerpt is taken from Chapter 12, ‘Who Will Grow Our Food?
Sunday, May 20th, 2012
American Farmers: An Endangered Species
Author: DANIEL IMHOFF
Source: Mother Earth News
Publication Date: 18-Apr-12
Link: American Farmers: An Endangered Species
Source: Mother Earth News
Publication Date: 18-Apr-12
Link: American Farmers: An Endangered Species
Stephan: Industrial agriculture has destroyed the family farm system, and we are the worse for that. Here is an effort to reverse this trend. As I have said before, I think the obesity pandemic that threatens the wellness of the country arises not just from sloth and over-eating. It is also affected by the hormones, the high fructose corn syrup, and a range of DNA altering GMO soy and corn. The solution is locally produced, organically grown food, and that requires farmers. Farming is a very complex skill set that takes years to learn, and we need to start training new farmers now.