National Family Farm Coalition is extremely disappointed in the passage of the House farm bill yesterday. This draconian measure does little to help family farmers, while proposing punitive work requirements for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), making detrimental changes to conservation, and cutting funding for important programs that support local food systems. At a moment when farm income is projected at a 12-year low and dairy farmers are going out of business by the week, Congress must provide real solutions for struggling farmers, not play politics with the future of rural America.
NFFC Statement on House Passage of Regressive Tax Reform
We are very disappointed in the House vote yesterday moving forward with its regressive tax reform. This bill would take hard-earned income from struggling rural communities and put it into corporate coffers and the pockets of millionaires.
Opposition to anti-GIPSA rider letter to House Appropriations
One hundred sixty eight organizations across the country signed onto a letter asking the House Appropriations Committee to oppose policy riders that inhibit GIPSA’s regulation and implementation authority.
Letter to House Appropriations regarding COOL funding levels
One hundred seventy-nine organizations signed onto a letter asking the House Appropriations committee to reject attempts to defund COOL through policy riders.
Spring Newsletter has Sprung!
As Spring has finally arrived, so has our latest Newsletter.
Legislative Update from D.C.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack appeared before the House Agriculture Committee last week to discuss the state of the rural economy and field questions on the implementation of the Farm Bill. Over the past few weeks USDA officials have appeared before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to discuss USDA’s proposed budget for FY2015. And as always, bills are being introduced on the Hill that would have real impacts on the lives of farmers. Here are some key highlights:
Competition in Agriculture
Letter to Congress on the serious financial crisis experienced by the majority of U.S. dairy farmers
NFFC signs on with nearly 140 organizations
NFFC signed on with nearly 140 organizations to a letter in support of the efforts of the Agriculture Committees to reform and update Farm Bill Programs and to work towards policies that will cultivate an equitable and sustainable food system.
NFFC signs letter to members of Congress
NFFC and organizations, business’, and allies signed a letter to Members of Congress calling for a better solution to the crisis facing dairy farmers. Read the letter here.
Dairy Farmer Gretchen Maine Outlines Price Issues for Members of Congress
Gretchen Maine, a New York dairy farmer, wrote a letter to Congress outlining the basic problems faced by dairy producers today – prices received for their do not cover the costs for producing it.
Coalition Letter to Congress supporting GIPSA regulations
Coalition Letter to Congress supporting GIPSA regulations.
More Than 90 Groups Request Zero Funding for Animal ID Program
Over 90 organizations representing conventional farmers and ranchers, organic farmers, property rights activists, and consumers have sent a letter to Senate and House conferees for the Agriculture Appropriations bill urging them to zero out funding for the National Animal Identification System for 2010. NAIS will place undue burdens on America’s farmers and ranchers while doing nothing to address food safety and animal disease concerns.